Insects are invertebrates. Their bodies are clearly divided into a head, a thorax, and abdomen. They also have three pairs of jointed legs and usually two pairs of wings.
bumblebee collecting pollen from a purple coneflower
photo of spongy moth showing feathery antennae
When spongy moths have an "outbreak," the caterpillars defoliate trees (eat all the leaves).
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Aphids on milkweed
Aphids come in a variety of colors - yellow, red, black, etc.
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illustration of backswimmer as seen from above
The name of this critter describes it perfectly.
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Monarch butterfly on Black-Eyed Susans
Butterflies are beautiful to watch fluttering about.
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Monarch butterfly on flower
You'll want to get a closer look to enjoy their beauty and observe their activities.
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illustration of a caddisfly larva inside its case of sand particles
The caddisfly lives only a short time as an adult but may spend several years as a larva.
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Cicada on a twig
It's a short season in the sun for this buzzing insect.
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Crawling Water Beetle, Photo Credit: Robert Webster
This beetle lives among plants in shallow water.
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Damselfly illustration
The damselfly is closely related to the dragonfly.
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illustration of a dobsonfly larvae with many legs
Trout and other fish find the young of these insects delicious.
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Hine's Emerald Dragonfly on a twig
Dragonflies are a spectacular and colorful group of insects.
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Emerald Ash Borer on leaf
Once these invaders get into a tree, the tree always dies.
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Monarch catapillar eating a leaf
Without caterpillars, there wouldn't be any butterflies.
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Butterfly on Black-eyed Susans
Watching butterflies is a fun summer activity and you can invite them to your very own yard.
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illustration of a giant water bug
This huge insect sometimes grows to be two or more inches in length.
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Hines emerald dragonfly on a twig
Wisconsin Status: EndangeredFederal Status: Endangered
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Honey Bee on flower
Wisconsin state insect.
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Karner Blue Butterfly on leaf
Beauty and grace best describe this federally endangered species.
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painted lady butterfly feeding on purple coneflower
Butterflies go through a complete metamorphosis. This means they have four stages to their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. 
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Luna moth resting on a tree branch
If you see a fluorescent green, large moth in the moonlight, it's
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photo of mayfly nymph
The mayfly and damselfly nymphs look almost like twins, but look closely at their gills.
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an illustration of a midge or bloodworm larvae
Young midges can be found in all sorts of water; some live in hot
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Milkweed beetle
There are several types of beetles that feed on milkweed.
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Monarch Butterfly on Black-eyed Susans
What's small, has orange wings with black veins and flies to Mexico for the winter?
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Monarch caterpillar on milkweed
Can you find the monarch caterpillar on the leaf?
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an Asian mosquito biting someone's skin
This interesting insect goes through four distinct stages.
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Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle
The multicolored Asian lady beetles look like common "ladybugs."
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illustration of a phantom midge larvae
The phantom midge larva is so clear it's nearly invisible.
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illustration of a predaceous diving beetle
This beetle is one of the most common of all aquatic beetles.
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stonefly nymph
Stonefly nymphs need to eat all they can because when they become adults they don't eat!
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Firefly on leaf
A story about fireflies by Genny Fannucchi.
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Tussock Moths on Milkweed
These very hungry caterpillars can be abundant on milkweed.
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Water Boatman illustration
This insect's body is shaped like a boat, perfect for swimming.
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photograph of a water scavenger beetle
Just as you would expect from its name, this large beetle feeds on dead stuff.
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Water Scorpion Nepa
How long can you stand without moving?
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Whirligig Beetle
This beetle zips in wild patterns all around the surface of quiet water.
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a wasp-like bee with a two yellow marks on its face on a bright pink flower
This ¼ inch bee is slender and looks somewhat like a wasp.
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