Insects That Start With A

Insects are a diverse group of animals that belongs to the Phylum Arthropoda. They are characterized by having a hard exoskeleton, three body segments (head, thorax, and abdomen), six jointed legs, and two pairs of wings (in most cases). They are also known for their incredible adaptability and range of shapes and sizes. Insects are found in almost every habitat on Earth, from the deep ocean to the highest peaks, and play essential roles in pollination, decomposition, and food webs.

I spent countless hours researching and combing through various sources to create a list of insects. I read countless articles, watched numerous videos, and even consulted with experts to ensure the accuracy of my information.

So, let’s begin exploring this list of insects starting with A!

79 Insects That Start With A

And here’s the list of insects that begin with A letter.

Abbreviated Wireworm

This pest is commonly found in grassland soils where it feeds on the roots of plants, causing damage to crops such as corn, wheat, and barley. The abbreviated wireworm is the larval stage of click beetles and is considered a serious agricultural pest due to its feeding habits. Its body is tough and dark brown, with a characteristic three-part head. To control their population, farmers usually implement crop rotation practices to avoid planting susceptible crops in the same field two years consecutively.

Acacia Psyllid

The acacia psyllid is a sap-sucking insect that attacks the leaves of acacia trees. These tiny insects cause distortion and curling of the leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis and growth in the tree. The psyllid also produces large quantities of honeydew which can create problems with sooty mold and attract other pests such as ants and wasps. To minimize their impact, horticulturists recommend pruning affected leaves and controlling ant populations around the tree.

Achemon Sphinx

The Achemon Sphinx is a large moth with distinctive wings marked with patches of black, white, and orange. Its caterpillar is green with black spots and a horn-like protrusion on its rear end. This insect feeds on the leaves of grape plants, but in the adult stage, it also feeds on nectar from flowers. Although they can cause defoliation of young grapevines, their overall impact on grape production is considered minor.

Acuminate Scale

The acuminate scale is a small, armored insect that feeds on a variety of trees and shrubs. They attach themselves to bark and leaves and suck the sap, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth in the tree. They are usually treated with insecticides or horticultural soaps to control their population and minimize the effects of their feeding.

Acute-angled Fungus Beetle

The acute-angled fungus beetle is a small, black beetle found in forests and woodlands. They feed on fungi growing on dead trees and stumps, and their feeding activity contributes to the breakdown of woody material in forests. These beetles are often overlooked in the ecosystem, but they play an essential role in nutrient cycling and decomposition.

Aerial Yellowjacket

The aerial yellowjacket is a social wasp that builds large paper nests in trees and shrubs. They are notorious for their aggressive behavior and painful sting. They feed on other insects, including caterpillars and flies, but can also be attracted to sugary substances such as fruit juice or garbage. To avoid accidental stings, homeowners are cautioned to stay away from their nests and to dispose of sugary substances promptly.

African Fig Fly

The African fig fly is a small fly that feeds on figs and other fruits. They lay their eggs in unripe fruit, which can cause internal damage and allow fungal infections to enter the fruit. This can lead to reduced fruit quality and yield. To control their population, horticulturists may use insecticides or pheromone traps to disrupt their breeding cycle.

African Mole Cricket

The African mole cricket is a burrowing insect that feeds on the roots of grasses and other plants. Their burrowing activity can cause extensive soil disruption and damage to turfgrass and ornamental plants. They are sometimes treated with insecticides or biological control agents to minimize their impact.

Ailanthus Webworm

The ailanthus webworm is a small, caterpillar-like insect that feeds on the leaves of the tree of heaven, also known as Ailanthus altissima. They create a web-like nest around the leaves and can cause defoliation in severe infestations. However, their population is often kept in check by natural predators such as birds and wasps.

Alder Bark Beetle

The alder bark beetle is a small, black beetle that feeds on the bark of alder trees. Their feeding activity can disrupt the tree’s nutrient transport system and create entry points for fungal infections. Severely infested trees may die within a few years. To control their population, forestry officials may implement sanitation measures such as removing infested branches.

Alder Flea Beetle

The alder flea beetle is a small, metallic-green beetle that feeds on the leaves of alder trees. They can cause significant defoliation of young trees, but their impact on mature trees is considered minor. Insecticides are sometimes used to control their population in commercial settings.

Alder Spittlebug

The alder spittlebug is a small, sap-sucking insect that feeds on the sap of alder trees. They create frothy spit masses around themselves to protect against predation. Their feeding can cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth in the tree. Control measures include insecticides or horticultural oil to disrupt the spittlebug’s feeding activity.

Alfalfa Blotch Leafminer

The alfalfa blotch leafminer is a pest of alfalfa crops that causes meandering, white or yellow streaks on the leaves. They are the larval stage of a small fly that feeds on the leaf tissue. Severe infestations can reduce crop yields and quality, but they are often treated with insecticides to minimize their damage.

Alfalfa Caterpillar

The alfalfa caterpillar is a common pest of alfalfa crops that feeds on the leaves, causing defoliation and reduced crop yields. The larvae are green and black and have several pairs of prolegs along their body. Insecticides are usually necessary to control their population in commercial settings.

Alfalfa Gall Midge

The alfalfa gall midge is a small fly that causes the formation of galls, or abnormal plant growths, on alfalfa plants. They are found in the stem or petiole of the plant and can reduce crop yield and quality. To minimize their impact, farmers may mow the affected field early to prevent the midges from laying their eggs on young plants.

Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee

The alfalfa leafcutting bee is a solitary bee that is a common pollinator of alfalfa crops. They use their strong mandibles to cut semi-circular pieces of leaves, which they then use to line their nests. Although they can cause some minor damage to the leaves, their overall impact on the crop is positive.

Alfalfa Leaftier

The alfalfa leaftier is a small caterpillar that feeds on the leaves of alfalfa plants, causing defoliation and reduced crop yields. They are usually treated with insecticides to control their population in commercial settings.

Alfalfa Looper

The alfalfa looper is a common pest of alfalfa crops that feeds on the leaves, causing defoliation and reduced crop yields. The larvae are green with white stripes along their body. Insecticides are usually necessary to control their population in commercial settings.

Alfalfa Plant Bug

The alfalfa plant bug is a sap-sucking insect that feeds on the stems and leaves of alfalfa plants. They cause wilting and stunting of the plant and can reduce crop yields. To control their population, farmers often use insecticides or biological control agents.

Alfalfa Seed Chalcid

The alfalfa seed chalcid is a small wasp that feeds on the seeds of alfalfa plants. They can reduce seed production and quality, but their overall impact on the crop is minor. Natural predators such as parasitic wasps often keep their population in check.

Alfalfa Snout Beetle

This beetle is known for causing damage to alfalfa plants by feeding on their roots and stems. Infestations can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields, making it a significant pest for farmers.

Alfalfa Webworm

The alfalfa webworm is a caterpillar that creates webs within alfalfa plants to protect itself while feeding on the leaves. While it typically doesn’t cause significant damage, infestations can reduce hay quality.

Alfalfa Weevil

This small, brown beetle lays eggs in alfalfa stems, and the resulting larvae feed on plant tissue, causing significant damage to plants. Proper management techniques, such as early-season scouting and insecticide treatments, can help mitigate losses.

Alkali Bee

The alkali bee is a ground-nesting bee that is important for pollinating alfalfa crops. Their unique nesting behavior has been studied for its potential as a sustainable alternative to managed honeybees.

Allegheny Mound Ant

These ants build large mounds on forest floors and are known for aggressive behavior. They play an important ecological role by aerating soil and controlling other insect populations, but can also cause damage to crops and structures.

Allium Leafminer

The allium leafminer is a fly species that lays eggs in onion, garlic, and leek plants. The larvae tunnel through the leaves, causing damage and reducing crop yields. Cultural control methods and chemical treatments are available.

Almond Moth

This moth species can cause significant damage to almond crops by laying eggs on nuts that produce destructive larvae. Effective management involves regular monitoring, sanitation practices, and insecticide treatments.

Aloe Mite

The aloe mite specifically targets aloe vera plants, causing distorted growth and reducing the plant’s overall health. Infested plants should promptly be removed and destroyed to prevent the mites from spreading to neighboring plants.

American Aspen Beetle

The larvae of this beetle feed on the inner bark of aspen trees, leading to significant tree mortality in infested areas. Management efforts have focused on trap trees, which attract and isolate the beetles for removal.

American Bumble Bee

This important pollinator is widespread across North America and is known for its large size and distinctive buzzing sound. Habitat loss and pesticide use pose significant threats to their populations, requiring conservation efforts.

American Burying Beetle

This large carrion beetle is known for burying animal carcasses to feed on them and raise their young. Habitat loss has led to declining populations, and they are now a protected species in some states.

American Cockroach

This large cockroach species is known for its resilience and ability to survive in a variety of environments. They are also a common household pest and can transmit disease.

American Dagger Moth

The distinctive markings on this moth’s wings provide camouflage against potential predators. However, the larvae of this species can cause allergic reactions in some individuals upon contact.

American Dog Tick

This tick species is known for transmitting diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease, to humans and animals. Effective control measures include avoidance of tick habitats, regular tick checks, and use of tick repellents.

American Grasshopper

This widespread species of grasshopper feeds on a variety of plants and is an important food source for many bird species. They can also cause significant crop damage in high populations.

American Hornet Moth

This colorful moth species is known for its mimicry of wasps, which helps protect it from potential predators. The larvae of this species feed on the wood of trees and shrubs.

American Palm Cixiid

This tiny insect feeds on the sap of palm trees and is known for causing damage to the foliage. Females lay their eggs in the leaves, and the young nymphs feed on the plant tissue.

American Plum Borer

This beetle species targets plum and cherry trees and can cause significant damage to the fruit and bark. Infestations can lead to weakened trees that are more susceptible to other pest and disease pressures.

American Serpentine Leafminer

This fly species lays eggs within the leaves of various crops, causing distinctive winding trails as the larvae feed on plant tissue. They are known for the damage they cause to leafy greens and can be challenging to manage.

American Spider Beetle

This species of beetle is known for its spider-like appearance and ability to infest stored food products, such as grains and cereals. Management involves proper sanitation practices and chemical treatments.

Angoumois Grain Moth

This moth species is a significant pest of stored grain products, as the larvae feed on the interior of grains, causing damage and contamination. Management techniques include proper storage and sanitation practices.

Angraecum Scale

This scale insect feeds on the sap of orchids, including the endangered Angraecum sesquipedale, which relies on this insect for pollination. Infestations can weaken and kill plants, making effective management techniques crucial for conservation efforts.

Angularwinged Katydid

This species of katydid can be identified by the angular shape of its wings. They are known for their loud, repetitive calls during mating season.

Angulate Leafhopper

This tiny insect is known for its ability to jump long distances and is a significant pest of various crops, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. Infestations can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields.

Annual Bluegrass Weevil

This small beetle targets turfgrass, with the larvae feeding on the crown and root tissue. Infestations can lead to significant damage and require monitoring and management techniques, such as insecticide applications.

Anthurium Whitefly

This whitefly species feeds on the sap of anthurium plants, causing yellowing and leaf drop. Infestations can lead to significant economic losses in the production of these popular ornamental plants.

Apple Aphid

The apple aphid is a common pest of apple trees, with infestations leading to stunted growth, curled leaves, and reduced fruit quality. Management techniques include cultural control and insecticide treatments.

Apple Bark Borer

This beetle species lays eggs in apple tree bark, with the resulting larvae feeding on the cambium layer. Infestations can lead to tree decline and death.

Apple Barkminer

This moth species lays eggs in apple tree bark, with the resulting larvae tunneling through the bark and causing damage. Infestations can lead to reduced yields and tree decline.

Apple Blotch Leafminer

This tiny insect causes spots or blisters on the leaves of apple trees as the larvae bore through the leaf tissues. It can lead to stunted growth and poor fruit quality if left untreated.

Apple Curculio

Also known as the plum curculio, this weevil-like insect can cause significant damage to apple crops by laying eggs in the young fruit. The larvae then feed on the interior, causing the fruit to drop prematurely.

Apple Flea Weevil

The apple flea weevil is a small, grayish-brown beetle that feeds on apple leaves, causing notches around the edges. While not typically harmful to the overall health of the tree, heavy infestations can reduce crop yield.

Apple Fruit Moth

This insect lays eggs on the surface of apple fruit, and the larvae feed on the interior, causing damage to the flesh and seeds. Infested fruit can sometimes be salvaged if detected early and treated with appropriate measures.

Apple Fruitminer

The apple fruitminer tunnel through the flesh of the fruit, creating brown tunnels and causing the fruit to drop prematurely. Infestations can be managed through regular chemical treatments and monitoring.

Apple Grain Aphid

These small, green insects feed on the sap of apple trees and thrive in warm, dry weather. Heavy infestations can lead to stunted growth and reduced crop yield.

Apple Leafhopper

Apple leafhoppers are small, greenish insects that suck the sap of apple leaves, causing them to curl and die prematurely. While not typically harmful to the overall health of the tree, heavy infestations can lead to crop loss.

Apple Maggot

The apple maggot lays eggs in the flesh of apple fruit, and the larvae feed on the interior, causing the fruit to rot prematurely. Infestations can be controlled with regular treatments and monitoring.

Apple Mealybug

Mealybugs are small, white, cottony pests that are often found on the undersides of apple leaves. They feed on the sap of the tree, and heavy infestations can lead to stunted growth and reduced crop yield.

Apple Red Bug

This small, red insect feeds on the sap of apple leaves and can occasionally cause stunted growth and reduced crop yield. They are not typically harmful to the overall health of the tree.

Apple Rust Mite

These tiny, reddish-brown mites can be difficult to detect, but they cause damage to the leaves and fruit of apple trees, resulting in reduced crop yield if left untreated.

Apple Seed Chalcid

The apple seed chalcid lays eggs in the seeds of apple fruit, and the larvae feed on the interior, causing the seeds to turn brown and become infertile. Infestations can be managed through regular monitoring and treatments.

Apple Sucker

Apple suckers are shoots that grow from the base of apple trees and are not typically harmful to the overall health of the tree. However, they can reduce crop yield if left unchecked.

Apple Twig Borer

The apple twig borer feeds on the tips of new growth on apple trees, causing them to wilt and die. Infestations can be managed through regular pruning and chemical treatments.

Apple-and-thorn Skeletonizer

This leaf-feeding caterpillar can cause significant defoliation of apple trees if left untreated. The larvae feed on the leaves, leaving only the veins behind.

Appleleaf Skeletonizer

The appleleaf skeletonizer is a type of leaf-feeding moth whose larvae feed on the leaves of apple trees, skeletonizing them and reducing the tree’s ability to photosynthesize.

Appleleaf Trumpet Miner

This tiny, yellowish-green insect tunnels through the tissue of apple leaves, reducing the tree’s ability to photosynthesize and causing leaf drop.

Araucaria Aphid

Araucaria aphids are small, green insects that feed on the sap of araucaria trees. Heavy infestations can lead to stunted growth and reduced vigor.

Araucaria Mealybug

Mealybugs are small, white, cottony pests that feed on the sap of araucaria trees. Heavy infestations can lead to stunted growth and reduced vigor.

Arborvitae Leafminer

The arborvitae leafminer feeds on the foliage of arborvitae trees, causing the leaves to turn brown and become distorted. Infestations can be managed through regular pruning and chemical treatments.

Arborvitae Weevil

The arborvitae weevil is a small, brown beetle that feeds on the bark and foliage of arborvitae trees. Heavy infestations can lead to defoliation and tree dieback.

Argentine Ant

Argentine ants are an invasive species found throughout the United States that can nest in large numbers and disrupt local ecosystems. They are known for their aggressive behavior and ability to displace other ant species.

Argus Tortoise Beetle

The argus tortoise beetle is a small, metallic beetle that feeds on the foliage of various plants and trees. While not typically harmful to the overall health of the host plant, infestations can cause aesthetic damage.

Arizona Fivespined Ips

The Arizona fivespined ips is a bark beetle that can cause significant damage to pine trees by tunneling through the bark and feeding on the inner tissue. Heavy infestations can lead to tree death.

Army Cutworm

The army cutworm is a type of caterpillar that feeds on the foliage of various crops, including apple trees. Infestations can lead to defoliation and reduced crop yield.

Armyworm

The armyworm is a type of caterpillar that feeds on the foliage of various crops, including apple trees. Infestations can lead to defoliation and reduced crop yield.

Artichoke Plume Moth

The artichoke plume moth is a small, beige moth whose larvae feed on the foliage of artichoke plants. Heavy infestations can lead to reduced crop yield.

Ash Plant Bug

The ash plant bug is a small, greenish insect that feeds on the sap of ash trees, causing the leaves to turn brown and distorted. Heavy infestations can lead to defoliation.

Ashgray Blister Beetle

The ashgray blister beetle is a type of beetle that feeds on the foliage of various plants and trees, including apple trees. Infestations can cause defoliation and reduced crop yield.

Asian Citrus Psyllid

The Asian citrus psyllid is a small, brown insect that feeds on the foliage of citrus trees. The nymphs can also transmit a bacteria which causes citrus greening disease, a devastating disease that can kill the tree.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of A insects.

Assembling a list of insects was more challenging than I anticipated. I had to sift through a lot of misinformation and outdated sources before I finally compiled a comprehensive list. It was a lot of work, but I’m pleased with the end result.

Insects are an incredibly diverse group of animals that play a significant role in our world. From pollinating plants to being a vital food source for many creatures, insects are essential for ecological balance. Though often considered pests, they are crucial for maintaining the health of our ecosystems. However, they are facing numerous threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and the use of pesticides. It is vital to protect and preserve these crucial creatures to ensure a healthy planet for generations to come.

Hope this post on insects beginning with A alphabet has been useful to you!