Kids ask Dr. Bug

by Tamra Reall, PhD, Field Specialist in Horticulture
University of Missouri Extension - Urban West
(Article used with permission from the Kansas City Gardener.)
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Why do some bugs make so much noise at night?
Several insects, like crickets and katydids, make noise at night to find others of their species. Male crickets rub their wings together to create that chirping sound, hoping to attract a female or warn other males to stay away. Each cricket species has its own song, so if you listen closely, you can tell what kind of cricket is singing. Female crickets can’t make sounds because they don’t have the special file-and-scraper structures on their wings, but they do have ears—on their legs!—to hear the songs.
 
Katydids also rub their wings together to make their distinctive sounds. This sound-making process is called stridulation.
 
These insects are most active at night when it's cooler and there are fewer predators around. Next time you're outside in the evening, take a moment to enjoy the nighttime insect concert!
 
For more fun facts about insect sounds, watch the Kids Ask Dr. Bug YouTube videos. August’s video was all about insect songs: https://youtu.be/-jCREA0nDOs
 
Are any bugs scary looking but actually super helpful?
Some people think that all critters with more than four legs are creepy, but the truth is, less than 2% of insects are pests—meaning over 98% are helpful or harmless! A lot of insects that look scary are actually great to have around.
 
One of my favorite "scary" insects is the swallowtail butterfly caterpillar. When disturbed, it pops out two bright orange, antennae-like organs from its head and sometimes flings itself toward whatever is bothering it. These organs, called osmeteria, release a stinky smell to scare predators away.
 
Praying mantises can be intimidating too, with their long, spiky legs and heads that turn to follow you. But they’re excellent hunters, eating insects that can damage your plants. Sometimes they catch helpful insects, but overall, they’re beneficial in the garden.
 
And let's not forget spiders—though they’re not insects, they’re also very helpful! Spiders eat pests in the garden and in your home. My favorite is the jumping spider, with its big eyes and fuzzy body. Jumping spiders sometimes wave their arms to make themselves look bigger, but it's pretty cute. Male jumping spiders also have elaborate dance moves to attract a mate. Some people even keep them as pets, but I prefer to let them roam free in my garden to keep pests in check.
 
One insect that doesn’t look scary but can be dangerous is the mosquito. They can spread diseases and bite without you even noticing. That’s why it's important to wear bug repellent and get rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed.
 
Do bugs trick or treat?
Not like we do, by dressing up and knocking on doors for candy, but insects definitely have their own tricks, and some offer treats as well! Many insects are masters of camouflage. One of the funniest tricks is played by caterpillars that look like bird poop. This clever disguise helps them avoid being eaten. Another sneaky insect is the walking stick, which looks very much like a twig and even sways like a stick in the breeze when it moves to blend in with its surroundings. Another insect that plays tricks is the caddisfly larva that dresses up like its surroundings by attaching whatever is nearby—sticks, leaves, or small stones—to its body with silk threads.
 
Some insects give treats, too! Male insects often bring tasty gifts to females as part of courtship. Scientists think this helps the female get more nutrients, so she can lay healthier eggs so more of the offspring survives. Sometimes, though, the gift is meant to keep the female occupied so she doesn’t eat the male!
 
Do people really eat bugs?
Yes, in many parts of the world, people eat insects as a regular part of their diet. This practice is called entomophagy. Insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms are packed with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats, and seasonings can be added when cooking. People even say they taste good! Eating insects can also be good for the environment because farming insects uses fewer resources than raising animals like cows or chickens. While it might sound strange to some, eating bugs is actually quite common and nutritious. Plus, since it's impossible to keep all insect parts out of our food, you've already eaten some without even knowing it!
 
How do entomologists use AI?
Entomologists, like many other scientists, are exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can help us learn more. Generative AI can be very useful, but we have to be careful because it doesn’t always get things right. One of the cool things AI can do is compare lots of insect photos really fast to help identify different species. It can also make predictions about where certain insects might show up based on things like weather and habits.
 
AI can even help scientists be more creative! For example, I used AI to make a fun insect game where you catch fireflies. Want to try it? https://bit.ly/CatchFireflies
 
 
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Did you know that there is a Kids Ask Dr. Bug video series? Check it out! https://bit.ly/KADBvideos
 
Do you have questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug To help her learn what you learn from this column, or to share feedback, please consider filling out this survey: https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBugSurvey
 

Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugNGarden) is a horticulture specialist for MU Extension – Urban West Region. For free, research-based gardening tips, call 816-833TREE (8733), email [email protected], or visit extension.missouri.edu. The University of Missouri is an equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer.

One of my favorite "scary" insects is the swallowtail butterfly caterpillar. When disturbed, it pops out two bright orange, antennae-like organs from its head and sometimes flings itself toward whatever is bothering it. These organs, called osmeteria, release a stinky smell to scare predators away. Photo credit: Dr. Bug