INSECTS

The monarch butterfly is facing challenges.

Monarch Butterflies May Soon Be Protected By the Endangered Species Act

Conservationists warn that the monarch could die out by the end of the century unless action is taken.

New Study Reveals the Source of the Corpse Flower’s Horrible Stench

Research (and lots of dry-heaving) has revealed why the flower reeks of weeks-old road kill.

A black-throated green warbler perches on a funerary statue at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

From Snakeroot to Salamanders, Life Thrives in Cemeteries

Three historic cemeteries, designed as refuges of the dead, are bringing their landscapes back to life for native plants and animals.

These creepy crawlers must defend themselves from many predators, such as lizards, snakes, and birds.

Tarantulas May Have Evolved Hair to Defend Against Army Ants

A new study on tarantulas reveals surprising insights into their relationship with army ants.

Make a pollinator’s life easier by providing it a place to stay.

How to Make a Bee Hotel in Your Yard

The solitary bee population is declining—here’s what you can do to help.

Why Do We Say “Make a Beeline”?

Making a beeline for the buffet table? You’re buying into some bee stereotypes.

Air pollution may keep these pollinators from doing their jobs.

Air Pollution May Prevent Bees From Smelling Flowers

Air pollution is making it hard for bees to pollinate flowers.

You won’t bee-lieve how honeybees give directions.

5 of the World’s Most Interesting Directional Systems

Not everyone gives directions the way you do—in fact, the way people tell others how to get where they want to go can vary by city, town, and culture. Some of these directional systems might just change how you navigate the world.

Even this cricket wants to know the answer.

Why Do We Say “Crickets” When It’s Silent?

Cricket chirps can reach 100 decibels. So why do we use them as a byword for ‘silence’?

28 WTF Facts About Animals

Goats have accents, hippos sweat something that looks like blood, and mosquitoes love feet. In the latest episode of The List Show, host Erin McCarthy dives into 28 animal facts that are sure to make you go "WTF?"

Grasshopper on the left, swarm of locusts on the right

Grasshoppers vs. Locusts: What’s the Difference?

All locusts are grasshoppers, but not all grasshoppers are locusts.

17 Wild Animal Superlatives

The biggest, fastest, strongest animals in the world.

Watch: A Gorgeous Sea of Fireflies Synchronizes With LED Lights

These lightning bugs know how to coordinate.

Just looking at this makes your skin crawl.

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch So Much?

The telltale itch of a mosquito bite doesn’t actually come from the bite itself. It comes from something that’s a fair bit worse: literal blood-sucking.

Bee Team: Bumblebees Can Cooperate To Push LEGO Bricks, According to Science

Bees demonstrate a surprising understanding of needing a helping hand to tackle obstacles.

Indian cabbage white butterfly (left), luna moth (right).

What’s the Difference Between Moths and Butterflies?

Both develop from caterpillars and both have impressive wings, but if you know what to look for, it's easy to tell moths and butterflies apart.

The difference between bees, wasps, and hornets is subtle.

Bee vs. Wasp vs. Hornet: What’s the Difference?

Discover the differences among these similar insects, including their diet, body size, and behavior.

Why go by the jellyfish’s English name when you could go with its more delightful French moniker instead?

15 Delightfully Descriptive French Animal Names

En français, the name for ‘jellyfish’ comes from a famous figure in Greek mythology—can you guess which one?

Cricket, grasshopper, or '50s sci-fi monster?

The Differences Between a Cricket and a Grasshopper, Explained

Grasshoppers and crickets belong to the same insect order. But they aren't the same species.

Planning a Vacation? Here’s How to Make Sure You Don’t Bring Any Bed Bugs Home With You

A study shows that bed bugs love dirty clothes. Follow these tips to keep them from hitching a ride home with you.

10 Facts About the Spotted Lanternfly

Over the past decade or so, the spotted lanternfly has become one of the most notorious invasive species in the United States. Here’s how it got here, how to spot it—and most importantly, how to kill it.

If you've been here recently, this PSA is for you.

May Contain Rocks or Insects: Trader Joe’s Adds Falafel and Soup to Its List of Recalled Food Items

First it was almond cookies—now it’s Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Fully Cooked Falafel.

Homicidal or harmless? iNaturalist can help you answer that question.

The iNaturalist App Is Like Shazam for Plants, Animals, and Insects

It has even led to the discovery of a new species.

6 Ways to Make a Bug Bite Stop Itching

Insects can interrupt a nice day outdoors by using your legs as a buffet table. Here's how to quell the itching.