If you're disturbed by the creepy crawlies of the earth, if you squirm at the thought of bugs in the basement, or if you wear a surgical mask to sleep for fear of insects crawling into your mouth, this is not the article for you. Ever since I was little, I have loved the insects, arachnids and bugs I have found in the wide outdoors. I first fell in love with earthworms, all thanks to my dad, who taught me that slimy things are OK. As an older child, I raised caterpillars into moth-hood in a former snake aquarium. In my teen years, I couldn't wait to hold the biology class snake (I know, not a bug, but still creepy and crawly). In honor of my lifelong love for all things with more than four legs, I thought I would highlight some of the most beautiful and colorful in the bug kingdom. Prepare for your creepy-crawly heart to be amazed.
1. The orchid mantis.
Bet you thought all praying mantis were green! So did I, until I stumbled on this beauty of a bug. Clearly it's named for it's rosy hue that gives it the appearance of a flower petal, an imitation orchid. They range in color from completely white to dark pink, camouflaging to fit amongst the flower patches it lives in. They are indigenous to Malaysia, though, so you won't see one in America unless you've gone to a specialty pet store. Apparently keeping a praying mantis as a pet is a thing!
2. The golden tortoise beetle.
Another aptly named insect, the Golden Tortoise Beetle resembles an iridescent turtle, complete with a ridged shell, flat "feet," and a pointed "tail." Like the mantis above, the golden tortoise beetle is a master of disguise, able to change its color by controlling the level of moisture in the cuticles of its shell. Talk about cool science! The metallic shell of this beetle is totally mesmerizing.
3. The peacock spider.
I know what you're thinking... AH! SPIDER! If you aren't thinking that – great! There's a lot to love about spiders. If you are thinking that, let me introduce you to the cutest spider on Earth. The biggest of this species are only 0.3 inches, or about the size of a pencil eraser. So they are tiny, and yes, very cute. They also come in a whole rainbow of colors. But why does a spider need to be so colorful? The color of the male peacock spider is essential to finding a mate. The spider uses his colored "fan" to dance for and impress his mate. If she likes his color, spider babies will ensue. If not, the poor guy will probably get eaten. 'Tis the circle of life, in all its colored gory -- I mean glory.
4. The Brahmin moth and caterpillar.
Now isn't that a sight for horrified eyes? The Brahmin moth's caterpillar looks like a nightmarish torture tool of some sort. Why on Earth does it need so many spikes? It may be used for blending into the twigs around it, or possibly for looking intimidating to predators. Scientists actually aren't quite sure. Either way, it ends up looking pretty hypnotic as a moth, and equally wacky.
5. The violet dropwing.
This guy is truly stunning! Like many other species of dragonfly, he is called a dropwing because of a tendency to lower the wings upon landing. The violet dropwing originated in tropical Africa, and although his body appears purple, he is actually red with a covering of blue "powder." Like many species of the animal and bug kingdom, the male is much more vibrant and colorful than the female. Isn't he just gorgeous?
I hope you're as inspired by these beautiful creatures as I am. My hope is that we can all realize that bugs are important to the ecosystem, whether we see them or not, and whether or not we are afraid. We should work on appreciating the little bugs in our world for what they are worth -- their weight in gold.
