Insects are classified into distinct orders based on shared characteristics such as wing structure, mouthparts, and development. Each order represents a group of related species with common features.
- Order: A primary taxonomic category used to classify insects with similar traits.
- Insect orders cover all diversity from beetles and butterflies to ants and dragonflies.
- Major insect orders include Coleoptera (beetles), Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Diptera (flies), Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps), and more.
An order groups insects that share common traits such as wing type and mouthparts.
Major Insect Orders
| Order | Example Insects | Key Features | Approx. Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleoptera | Beetles | Hardened forewings (elytra), chewing mouthparts | 400,000+ |
| Lepidoptera | Butterflies & Moths | Scaly wings, coiled proboscis | 180,000+ |
| Diptera | Flies, Mosquitoes | Single pair of wings, halteres, sucking mouthparts | 160,000+ |
| Hymenoptera | Ants, Bees, Wasps | Membranous wings, social behavior, ovipositor | 150,000+ |
| Hemiptera | True Bugs (e.g., aphids) | Piercing-sucking mouthparts, half-membranous wings | 80,000+ |
| Orthoptera | Grasshoppers, Crickets | Jumping legs, stridulation ability | 25,000+ |
| Odonata | Dragonflies, Damselflies | Elongated bodies, two pairs of net-veined wings | 6,000+ |
Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera are all major insect orders.
Source Material
Author: Amateur Entomologists' Society
Document: Insect Orders Fact files
Date Published: n.d.
Coleoptera: Beetles
Coleoptera is the largest insect order, known for its diversity and distinctive wings.
- Elytra: Hardened forewings that protect the delicate hindwings and abdomen.
- Chewing mouthparts adapted for various diets (plants, fungi, detritus, other insects).
- Adults show remarkable diversity, but all have elytra and complete metamorphosis.
Beetles (Coleoptera) have distinctive hardened forewings called elytra.
Source Material
Author: Amateur Entomologists' Society
Document: Coleoptera - Beetles
Date Published: n.d.
Lepidoptera: Butterflies and Moths
Lepidoptera are famous for their wings covered in microscopic scales, which provide color and patterns.
- Scaly wings: Provide coloration and insulation.
- Proboscis: A coiled straw-like mouthpart for sipping nectar.
- Undergo complete metamorphosis: egg → larva (caterpillar) → pupa → adult.
Lepidoptera have scaly wings and a coiled proboscis for feeding on nectar.
No, while butterflies are typically diurnal, most moths (also Lepidoptera) are nocturnal.
Source Material
Author: Amateur Entomologists' Society
Document: Lepidoptera - Butterflies and Moths
Date Published: n.d.
Diptera: True Flies
Diptera means "two wings," highlighting their most obvious feature.
- Only one pair of functional wings (forewings); hindwings reduced to halteres for balance.
- Mouthparts adapted for piercing, sucking, or lapping.
- Includes mosquitoes, houseflies, fruit flies.
Diptera have one pair of wings and halteres for balance, unlike other insect orders.
Yes, Diptera undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).
Source Material
Author: Amateur Entomologists' Society
Document: Diptera - True Flies
Date Published: n.d.
Hymenoptera: Ants, Bees, Wasps
Hymenoptera are known for their complex social structures and important ecological roles.
- Two pairs of membranous wings (except some workers are wingless).
- Females often have a specialized ovipositor (sometimes modified as a sting).
- Many are social insects (colonies with queens, workers, drones).
Hymenoptera have membranous wings, social behaviors, and a specialized ovipositor.
Source Material
Author: Amateur Entomologists' Society
Document: Hymenoptera - Ants, Bees, Wasps
Date Published: n.d.
Hemiptera: True Bugs
Hemiptera have specialized mouthparts for piercing and sucking, used to feed on plant sap or animal fluids.
- Mouthparts form a beak or rostrum.
- Wings are partially hardened (hemelytra) with membranous tips.
- Includes aphids, cicadas, shield bugs.
Hemiptera have piercing-sucking mouthparts and half-membranous wings.
No, Hemiptera undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg → nymph → adult).
Source Material
Author: Amateur Entomologists' Society
Document: Hemiptera - True Bugs
Date Published: n.d.
Orthoptera: Grasshoppers and Crickets
Orthoptera are adapted for jumping and sound production.
- Hind legs enlarged for jumping.
- Many produce sound (stridulation) by rubbing body parts together.
- Mouthparts are chewing type.
- Includes grasshoppers, locusts, crickets.
Orthoptera have enlarged hind legs for jumping and can produce sound by stridulation.
Source Material
Author: Amateur Entomologists' Society
Document: Orthoptera - Grasshoppers, Crickets
Date Published: n.d.
Odonata: Dragonflies and Damselflies
Odonata are ancient predators with unique wing and body structures.
- Two pairs of similar, net-veined wings.
- Large compound eyes dominate the head.
- Elongated bodies; excellent fliers.
- Nymphs are aquatic predators.
Odonata have net-veined wings, aquatic nymphs, and large eyes.
Source Material
Author: Amateur Entomologists' Society
Document: Odonata - Dragonflies and Damselflies
Date Published: n.d.
Conclusion
Insect orders provide a framework for understanding the immense diversity and specialization within the class Insecta. Each order reflects a unique set of adaptations that have enabled insects to colonize nearly every ecosystem on Earth.
- Insect orders are defined by shared anatomical and developmental traits.
- Major orders include Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and others.
- Studying insect orders reveals evolutionary relationships and ecological roles.