Summer brings sunshine, longer days—and plenty of insects! While you may notice more buzzing and crawling during the warmer months, many of these tiny visitors play important roles in nature.
Let's meet a few of the most common summer insects.
Dragonflies
Often seen near ponds and lakes, dragonflies spend much of their lives as aquatic nymphs before becoming the fast-flying adults we recognize. Adult dragonflies commonly feed on mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects.
Grasshoppers
These impressive jumpers use their powerful back legs to leap great distances. Grasshoppers are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses and other plants.
Praying Mantises
Known for their distinctive front legs, praying mantises are patient hunters that feed on a variety of insects. Their ability to blend into leaves and branches helps them surprise their prey.
Cicadas
One of the signature sounds of summer comes from male cicadas, which produce loud songs to attract mates. Most annual cicadas emerge every summer, while periodical cicadas spend 13 or 17 years underground before emerging in large numbers.
Bumble Bees
These fuzzy pollinators are important for many flowering plants and crops. Despite their large appearance, bumble bees are generally focused on collecting nectar and pollen.
Appreciating Nature Up Close
The next time you're outside, take a closer look at the insects around you. From pollinators to predators, these remarkable creatures each have a unique role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
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