The above displays the nine Hymenoptera records currently available within the
Entophiles database. Select one of the thumbnail photographs of ants, bees and wasps
below to access the descriptive record for this insect. Members of the Order
Hymenoptera are charcterized by two pairs of membranous wings, clubbed antennae and
chewing mouthparts. A good number possess a contricted "waist" between their thorax
and abdomen. Ants, bees and wasps have evolved societal cooperation and are some of
the finest natural architects, making extensive use of hexagonal forms.

The above displays the six Diptera records currently available within the Entophiles
database. Select one of the thumbnail photographs of flies below to access the descriptive
record for this insect. Members of the Order Diptera are characterized by a single pair of
fore wings. The hind wings have been reduced to a pair of balancing organs known as
halteres. As with most groups of insects, the diversity of form and function displayed in
flies far surpasses most peoples perception which are usually based on the common
species that make themselves know to man.

The above displays the single Neuroptera record currently available within the Entophiles
database. Select the thumbnail photograph of the Dobsonfly below to access the
descriptive record for this insect. Neuroptera have four large wings with elaborate
venation that are usually held roof-like over their abdomens.

The above displays the ten Hemiptera records currently available within the Entophiles
database. Select one of the thumbnail photographs of true bugs below to access the
descriptive record for this insect. Although the name bug has become loosly applied to
most small insect-like creatures, Hemipterans are the only insects correctly identified as
bugs. Members of the Order Hemiptera are characterized by sucking mouthparts that
originate from the tips of their head. Their forewings are also differentiated with a
thickened base and membranous tip.

The above displays the single Mantodea record currently available within the Entophiles
database. Select the thumbnail photograph of the mantis below to access the descriptive
record for this insect. Praying Mantids are often seen holding their enlarged front legs
forward, waiting for their next meal. Although the insect has only preying in mind, this
position inspired the symbolic praying namesake.

The above displays the three Phasmid records currently available within the Entophiles
database. Select the thumbnail photograph of the stick insect below to access the
descriptive record for this insect. Stick insects used to be grouped in with grasshoppers,
crickets, roaches and mantids in the order Orthoptera until they were placed in their own
order. Like many of the mantids, stick insects are masters of disguise. Blending in
perfectly, these plant eating insects look and move like the foliage they inhabit.

The above displays the single Ephemeroptera record currently available within the
Entophiles database. Select the thumbnail photograph of the mayfly below to access the
descriptive record for this insect. As their name suggests, adult mayflies have a very brief
day or so out of the water to mate and lay eggs before they die. They are an important
indicator group, reflecting the general health of an aquatic ecosystem.