10 Insects You Probably Don't Know Their Names.

Ever seen an insect and thought to yourself or ask someone, 'what insect is this'? Or you got hell scared if what you saw was harmful or not?

Well, here on Listcube Info, we bring to you 10 insects you may have seen but probably didn't know their names. 

1. Sun Beetle

Growing up, schooling in Lagos, this beetle was commonly called Alabonbon, sometimes pronounced as Alabombom or Alabumbum. The botanical name is Pachnoda Marginata.

The beetle is very popular amongst public secondary school students. This is because they feed primarily on fruits, and these schools usually have almond and mango trees within their premises. The sun beetle can be easily kept as a pet. Then, we would tie a thread like rope on its thorax and fly them over our heads, just like a kite. Unfortunately, they don't usually last long as sometimes the rope gets loosened and they make an escape or they die of hunger due to ignorance of what to feed them with. They can live up to five months when properly cared for. So when next you want to get a pet for your little loved ones, you might want to consider the sun beetle. At least they wouldn't die of hunger this time, as you now know what to feed them with. However, be warned, their frass (excreta) doesn't exactly smell anything close to freshly baked cookies. 

2. Earwig

You must have seen this insect and screamed, "Scorpion! Run!" 

Well, sorry to burst your bubble, they aren't scorpions but earwigs. They are nocturnal insects, active mostly at nights. Don't be fooled by their forceps or pincers dangling down its abdomen, they can't sting with them. It is only used for grasping. They are not venomous, hence they are not dangerous.

3. Moth fly 

Moth flies can be very annoying and disturbing. They are also known as drain flies, sink flies, filter flies or sewer gnats. Oftentimes, they are found in damp areas like walls of toilets/bathrooms, drainage pipes, gutters or around sewer tanks. They breed by laying eggs on water, especially stagnant water. The most effective way of getting rid of them is by ensuring the aforementioned surroundings are always neat and also ensure there are no stagnant waters around your home. They are non-biting insects. 

4. Dragon fly.

They are the fastest flying insect in the world. They are characterized by large eyes and clear wings that spread when perched and are commonly found hanging around plants close to rivers, streams and lakes. This is because they breed around them. Dragon flies feed mostly on insects smaller than them, especially mosquitoes. They, in turn, are prey insects for birds, frogs and fishes. It should be noted that they should not be confused with the next insect you are about to see.

5. Damsel fly.

Like earlier stated, damsel fly should not be confused with dragon fly. They may seem alike and related, but are different. Damsel flies can be found around water banks. The major difference between dragon fly and damsel fly is that the latter is smaller, slimmer, and their wings stand upright when they are perched. However, they share the same habitat and nutrition with the dragon fly.

6. African black beetle. 

Black beetles are a common species of beetles. This particular one is known as the African black beetle.

They are characterized by a very thick coat. They are not harmful at home but can cause devastating damages to farm crops. They source for their food mostly at nights.

7. Firefly

Owl City's song 'fireflies' comes to mind here. They are also known as lightening bugs. You must have definitely seen this insect. They glow in the fields or bushes at night. There are many species of fireflies and not all of them can produce light. The males who produce light use it to attract females while they generally use it to ward off predators, telling them that they are not tasty to eat. They feed on nectar. Scientists are greatly worried that these insects are disappearing and are on a voyage of discovering what is causing its disappearance. Fireflies can make good pets although they have a very short lifespan.

8. Ensign wasp

It took some research before I could get the name of this insect. They are also called nightshade wasps or hatchet wasps. Ensign wasps are a species of wasps found most times at homes. The first time I saw one, I freaked out, thinking I was going to get stung by it due to a sting like appendage under its abdomen. The good news is that these insects are not harmful to humans. Rather, they are helpful because they are a parasite to cockroaches. They lay their eggs on cockroaches' egg-case and the wasp larvae feed on the cockroaches' eggs. So whenever you come across one, just let it be.

9. Rove beetle (Paederus)

Ah! This one is a well-known terror in secondary schools and universities. Called papa, electric ant, skirt and blouse and a host of many other names in Nigeria and Africa. According to Wikipedia, Paederus is a genus of small beetles of the family Staphylinidae ("rove beetles"). If you were never 'bitten' by one, you must be lucky. I was one of the lucky few. Did I just say bite? Well, rove beetles don't actually bite per se. What happens is that when they perch or crawl up on your body, if crushed against your skin, they produce pederin which causes skin irritation, and once you scratch that spot, it becomes worse.

10. Antlion. 

Antlions are found in sand beaches or anywhere smooth sandy soil is found where they bore holes and live inside. Just like sun beetles, they are also very popular amongst public school students. Back then, we dug them out and played a game with it. 

The most interesting part of this insect is that the picture up there is actually its larvae. Surprising, isn't it? This is what an adult antlion looks like. 

So there you have it on 10 insects you probably did not know their names. 

You can read 10 fruits you probably don't know their names.