I Spy

Insects are divided into groups called orders. Each order is unique to specific insects! Scientist use special names to help identify each type of insect and categorize them.

There are thousands more insects in the world than humans, and the top 5 orders make up a great sum of the insect populations.

The Top 5 Orders are:

Lepidoptera

Common Name: Butterflies and Moths

  • Two pairs of wings
  • Complete metamorphosis
  • Chewing or siphoning mouth-parts

Coleoptera

Common Name: Beetles

  • Two pairs of wings
  • Complete metamorphosis
  • Chewing or siphoning mouth-parts
  • Hard outer wings that protect soft inner wings

Orthoptera

Common Name: Grasshoppers

  • Two pairs of wings
  • Incomplete metamorphosis
  • Chewing mouth-parts
  • Hind legs specialized for jumping

Hymenoptera

Common Name: Bees and Wasps

  • Two pairs of wings
  • Complete metamorphosis
  • Chewing mouth-parts
  • Narrow waists
  • Social communities that work together

Diptera

Common Name: Flies

  • One pair of wings
  • Complete metamorphosis
  • Chewing or piercing/sucking mouth-parts
Do you think you could identify one of the orders above next time you see an insect?
Give it a try! Print the Ordering Insects page and take outside.
We challenge you to use the info on the Ordering Insects page spot insects from three different orders!