By Kelly Vowels
The terms “insects” and “bugs” are often used interchangeably, but not all insects are true bugs. True bugs belong to the order Heteroptera and have distinct features that set them apart from other insects. One key characteristic is their needle-like mouthparts, which allow them to extract fluids from plants and animals—essentially “sucking” their food, much like drinking through a straw. True bugs also have two pairs of wings, with the outer pair divided into a leathery basal section and a membranous apical section.
The word “bug” has a fascinating history. Its origin is uncertain, but it first appeared in one of the earliest English Bible translations in the 13th century, where it was used to describe either a scarecrow or a hobgoblin. It wasn’t until the 17th century that “bug” was used to refer to insects, specifically bed bugs. Bed bugs, which feed on humans at night, were likened to hobgoblins. In the 18th century, Charles Linnaeus, the father of taxonomy, grouped similar species together, naming bed bug-like insects “true bugs.” Common examples include aphids, cicadas, stink bugs, and water bugs. Interestingly, insects like butterflies, beetles, flies, and bees are not true bugs. Even mosquitoes, despite their blood-sucking habits, aren’t true bugs—they belong to the fly order and have a complex arrangement of six needle-like mouthparts, not one.
Fun Facts About Insects
- Insects are among the most successful creatures on Earth, with over 1.5 million species.
- They make up about two-thirds of all known organisms.
- Insects inhabit every continent, including Antarctica, and can adapt to almost any environment.
- They breathe through small openings on their sides and have an open circulatory system.
- Insects were the first animals to develop flight, dating back more than 400 million years.
- Fruit flies were the first living creatures sent into space, playing a key role in scientific discoveries.
Want to learn more about the fascinating world of bugs and insects? Join us at BugFest on September 21, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. From bug safaris to the insect zoo, you’ll have a chance to explore the hidden wonders of these incredible creatures and discover even more cool facts.
