Insects That Start With B

Insects are fascinating creatures that are part of the biggest group of animals on Earth, with over a million known species and thousands more being discovered each year. These small invertebrates have a unique ability to thrive in almost any environment due to their specialized body parts, behaviors, and life cycles. Insects are also masters of disguise and camouflage, with some resembling leaves, twigs, or other insects to avoid predators or attract mates. They have shaped the world we live in, from the cultivation of crops to the development of modern medicine.

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 I had to sift through a lot of misinformation and outdated sources before I finally compiled a comprehensive list.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.

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

79 Insects That Start With B

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

Bagworm

The bagworm, also known as the casebearer, is a moth in its larval stage. It is named after the bag it creates using silk and pieces of vegetation, twigs, and bark. The bag is the insect’s protective cocoon and is made to blend in with its surroundings. The bagworm feeds on trees and shrubs and can cause serious damage over time. Once the larva reaches maturity, it attaches its bag to a branch or other surface and pupates inside. Adult males are small, black moths with clear wings, while females are wingless and remain inside the bag where they lay eggs.

Bahaman Swallowtail

The Bahaman Swallowtail butterfly has distinct yellow and black markings on its wings that make it easy to spot. It is only found in the Bahamas and is the country’s national butterfly. The butterfly prefers to live in pine rocklands and forests. The Bahaman Swallowtail is known for its unique flapping pattern and ability to glide, rather than fly, long distances. It feeds on the nectar of various flowers and has a wingspan of up to six inches.

Baldfaced Hornet

The Baldfaced Hornet, also known as the white-faced hornet, is a social wasp that lives in large colonies. It is named for its predominantly black body and white coloring on its face and the end of its body. The Baldfaced Hornet builds a paper-like nest, usually in a high location, and can become aggressive when threatened. The hornet feeds on nectar and other insects and can be found throughout the United States and southern Canada.

Balsam Fir Sawyer

The Balsam Fir Sawyer is a type of longhorn beetle that feeds on balsam fir trees. The beetle can cause significant damage to the trees, leading to dieback and eventual death. The adult beetle is black with gray markings and has a long, cylindrical body. The Balsam Fir Sawyer is found throughout the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. It is most active during the summer months.

Balsam Gall Midge

The Balsam Gall Midge is a small, fly-like insect that feeds on the needles of balsam fir trees. It can cause small, round galls to form on the needles, which can weaken the tree over time. The adult Balsam Gall Midge lays its eggs on the needles in the spring, and the larvae hatch soon after and begin feeding. The Gall Midge is found throughout the northern United States and southern Canada.

Balsam Shootboring Sawfly

The Balsam Shootboring Sawfly is a pest that feeds on balsam fir trees. The larvae bore into the shoots of the tree and can cause significant damage. The adult Sawfly is small and black and lays its eggs in the spring. The larvae then hatch and begin feeding on the new growth of the tree. The Balsam Shootboring Sawfly is found throughout the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.

Balsam Twig Aphid

The Balsam Twig Aphid is a small, soft-bodied insect that feeds on the twigs of balsam fir trees. It can cause distortion and curling of the needles, which can lead to stunted growth. The adult Aphid is green and lays its eggs on the twigs in the fall. The larvae then hatch in the spring and begin feeding. The Balsam Twig Aphid is found throughout the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.

Bamboo Borer

The Bamboo Borer is a type of longhorn beetle that feeds on bamboo plants. The beetle can cause significant damage to the plant over time, leading to stunted growth and eventual death. The adult beetle is dark brown with white markings and has a long, cylindrical body. The Bamboo Borer is found throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Bamboo Powderpost Beetle

The Bamboo Powderpost Beetle is a type of wood-boring beetle that feeds on bamboo plants. The beetle leaves behind small, round exit holes and can cause significant damage to the plant over time. The adult beetle is dark brown and lays its eggs on the surface of the bamboo. The larvae then hatch and begin eating their way through the plant. The Bamboo Powderpost Beetle is found throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Banana Mealybug

The Banana Mealybug is a small, soft-bodied insect that feeds on the leaves and stems of banana plants. It can cause significant damage to the plant over time, leading to stunted growth and reduced fruit yield. The adult Mealybug is white and lays its eggs on the plant. The larvae then hatch and begin feeding. The Banana Mealybug is found throughout the tropics.

Banana Root Borer

The Banana Root Borer is a type of weevil that feeds on the roots of banana plants. It can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to reduced growth and yield. The adult weevil is small and brown and lays its eggs on the surface of the soil. The larvae then hatch and begin feeding on the roots. The Banana Root Borer is found throughout the tropics.

Banana Skipper

The Banana Skipper is a type of butterfly that is commonly found in banana plantations. It has distinct brown and orange markings on its wings and feeds on the nectar of various flowers. The Banana Skipper is known for its erratic flight pattern, which resembles skipping. The butterfly is found throughout the tropics.

Banana Yucca Leafminer

The Banana Yucca Leafminer is a small, fly-like insect that feeds on the leaves of banana yucca plants. It can cause significant damage to the plant over time, leading to reduced growth and yield. The adult Leafminer is black and lays its eggs on the surface of the leaf. The larvae then hatch and begin feeding. The Banana Yucca Leafminer is found throughout the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Banded Alder Borer

The Banded Alder Borer is a type of longhorn beetle that feeds on the bark and wood of alder trees. The beetle can cause significant damage to the tree over time and is considered a pest in some areas. The adult beetle is black with white stripes and has a long, cylindrical body. The Banded Alder Borer is found throughout the western United States and Canada.

Banded Ash Clearwing

The Banded Ash Clearwing is a type of moth in its adult stage. It is named for the white bands on its wings and its yellow and black body. The moth feeds on the nectar of various flowers and is active during the day. The adult Banded Ash Clearwing lays its eggs on the bark of ash trees, and the larvae bore into the tree to feed. The Banded Ash Clearwing is found throughout the eastern United States.

Banded Hickory Borer

The Banded Hickory Borer is a type of longhorn beetle that feeds on the bark and wood of hickory trees. The beetle can cause significant damage to the tree over time and is considered a pest in some areas. The adult beetle is black with yellow and white stripes and has a long, cylindrical body. The Banded Hickory Borer is found throughout the eastern United States.

Banded Sunflower Moth

The Banded Sunflower Moth is a type of moth that feeds on the flowers and seeds of sunflowers. The moth is named for the white bands on its black wings and its dark body. The Banded Sunflower Moth lays its eggs on the flowers, and the larvae then bore into the seeds to feed. The moths are found throughout the United States and southern Canada.

Banded Wood Snail

The Banded Wood Snail is a type of land snail that is found throughout the eastern United States. It has a brown and white banded shell and feeds on various vegetation and decaying matter. The snail is active during the night and can be found in wooded areas and near streams.

Banded Woollybear

The Banded Woollybear is a type of caterpillar that is found throughout the United States and southern Canada. It is named for its distinct black and orange banding and fuzzy appearance. The Woollybear feeds on various vegetation, including some crops, and can cause damage in large numbers. The caterpillar eventually pupates and becomes the Isabella Tiger Moth.

Bandedwinged Whitefly

The Bandedwinged Whitefly is a small, white insect that feeds on the leaves of various plants. It is named for the white bands on its wings. The Whitefly can cause significant damage to plants over time, leading to yellowing and wilting. The adult Whitefly lays its eggs on the surface of the leaves, and the larvae then hatch and begin feeding. The Bandedwinged Whitefly is found throughout the southern United States.

Banks Grass Mite

These tiny spider-like mites infest grass and can cause significant damage by sucking plant sap. They often become more active in hot, dry weather.

Banyan Aphid

Known for their bright yellow color, these aphids feed on the sap of banyan trees. Despite their small size, they can quickly multiply and cause significant damage to trees.

Barber Brown Lacewing

These delicate insects are predators to other small insects and are known for their distinctive brown color. They are a welcome sight in gardens as they help control pest populations.

Barberpole Caterpillar

These caterpillars are easily recognized by their bright red and green stripes and are known for their voracious appetite. They can cause significant damage to crops if left unchecked.

Barley Jointworm

These small worms are found in the stems of barley plants and can cause significant damage to the crop. They are difficult to control and often require chemical treatments.

Basswood Lace Bug

These small, winged insects feed on the sap of basswood trees and can cause leaf discoloration and defoliation. They are most active in late summer.

Basswood Leafminer

The larvae of this moth species can cause significant damage to the leaves of basswood trees. The damage appears as white or brown blotches on the leaf surface.

Basswood Leafroller

These caterpillars roll themselves up in basswood leaves to create a protective cocoon. They can cause significant damage to the leaves, but are not usually harmful to the tree itself.

Beachgrass Scale

These tiny insects infest beachgrass and can cause discoloration and defoliation. They are most active in dry, warm weather.

Bean Butterfly

Also known as the Mexican bean beetle, these bright yellow insects can quickly destroy a bean crop if left unchecked. They are most active in warm weather.

Bean Capsid

These small insects feed on the sap of bean plants and can cause significant damage by stunting growth and causing leaf distortion. They are most active in warm weather.

Bean Fly

Also known as the bean seed fly, this insect lays its eggs in the soil near bean plants. The larvae then feed on the roots, causing damage and stunted growth.

Bean Leaf Beetle

These small beetles are known for their distinctive bronze coloration and can cause significant damage to bean plants by eating the leaves.

Bean Leafroller

These caterpillars roll themselves up in bean leaves to create a protective cocoon. They can cause significant damage to the leaves, but are not usually harmful to the plant itself.

Bean Leafskeletonizer

These caterpillars feed on the leaves of bean plants, leaving behind a skeletonized leaf. While they can cause significant damage, they are usually not lethal to the plant.

Bean Pod Borer

These small worms feed on the inside of bean pods, causing significant damage to the crop. They are most active in warm weather.

Bean Seed Maggot

The larvae of this fly species feed on germinating bean seeds, causing significant damage to the young plants. They are most active in cool, wet weather.

Bean Weevil

These small beetles feed on bean seeds and can cause significant damage by destroying the crop. They are most active in warm weather.

Bed Bug

These parasitic insects are notorious for feeding on human blood while they sleep. They are difficult to get rid of and can cause significant emotional distress.

Beech Blight Aphid

These small, white insects feed on the sap of beech trees and can cause significant defoliation. They are most active in the fall.

Beech Scale

These small, flat insects infest beech trees and can cause leaf drop and twig die-back. They are most active in the summer.

Beet Armyworm

These caterpillars feed on the leaves of beet plants, causing significant damage to the crop. They are most active in warm weather.

Beet Leaf Beetle

These small beetles are known for their distinctive red color and feed on the leaves of beet plants. They can cause significant damage, but are not usually lethal to the plant.

Beet Leafhopper

These small, winged insects feed on the sap of beet plants and can cause significant damage by stunting growth and causing leaf distortion. They are most active in warm weather.

Beet Leafminer

The larvae of this fly species create tunnels in the leaves of beet plants, causing significant damage to the crop. They are most active in warm weather.

Beet Webworm

These caterpillars spin webs around the leaves of beet plants, causing significant damage to the crop. They are most active in warm weather.

Bella Moth

These moths are known for their striking coloration and large size. Their larvae feed on a wide variety of plants, causing significant damage.

Bermudagrass Stem Maggot

These small maggots infest bermudagrass and can cause significant damage to the crop. They are most active in the summer.

Bidens Borer

These small worms infest the stems of bidens plants and can cause significant damage by weakening the stem. They are difficult to control and often require chemical treatments.

Bigheaded Ant

These ants are known for their large head size and are often found in gardens and lawns. While they are not harmful to humans, they can damage young plants by disrupting the soil around the roots.

Bigheaded Grasshopper

This grasshopper species is known for its oversized head and can be found in open areas like fields and prairies. They are strong jumpers and their diet consists of various grasses and crops.

Birch Sawfly

The Birch Sawfly is a pest that feeds on the leaves of birch trees. They can be identified by their yellow-green body and black head.

Birch Skeletonizer

The Birch Skeletonizer is a type of moth larva that feeds on birch tree leaves, leaving behind a skeleton-like appearance. They can be identified by their yellow-green body and black head.

Birch Tubemaker

This insect is a type of moth larva that constructs a distinctive tubular shelter made from birch leaves. They feed on the leaves inside the tube and can be found in North America and Europe.

Bird Cherry-oat Aphid

These aphids are pests that feed on grasses and cereal crops, causing damage to the plants. They are small and green with a distinctive red patch on their back.

Bird Tick

Ticks are not insects, but rather arachnids. Bird ticks can spread diseases like Lyme disease and can be commonly found on migrating birds.

Black Army Cutworm

These caterpillars are known for their destructive feeding on crops and can cause economic damage to farms. They are commonly found in fields and can consume a wide variety of plants.

Black Blow Fly

This shiny black fly can be found in various habitats and is commonly attracted to decomposing organic matter, including dead animals.

Black Carpenter Ant

This ant species is known for its ability to burrow and nest in wood structures, causing damage over time. They are black in color and can be found across North America.

Black Carpet Beetle

These beetles are pests that feed on various organic materials including carpets, clothing, and stored food products. They are small and black with distinctive scales on their body.

Black Cherry Aphid

These aphids are pests that feed on the sap of cherry trees and can cause damage to the leaves and fruit. They are small and black with a distinctive white waxy coating.

Black Citrus Aphid

These aphids are pests that feed on citrus trees and can cause damage to the foliage and fruit. They are small and black with a distinctive white waxy coating.

Black Dung Beetle

These beetles are important detritivores, feeding on feces and decaying organic matter. They are black in color and can be found worldwide.

Black Earwig

These insects are known for their pincer-like cerci on their abdomen, which they use for defense and catching prey. They are black in color and can be found in various habitats.

Black Fig Fly

These flies are known for their role in pollinating fig trees. They are black and small in size, with a unique shape that allows them to enter the fig’s opening to lay their eggs.

Black Fungus Beetle

These beetles are important decomposers, feeding on fungi and decaying organic material. They are black and can be found worldwide.

Black Horse Fly

These flies are known for their painful bite and can be found in various habitats near water sources. They are black and medium in size.

Black Hunter Thrips

These small insects are predators, feeding on mites and other small arthropods. They are black and can be found in various habitats.

Black Lady Beetle

These beetles are predators, feeding on pests like aphids and mites. They are black in color and can be found across North America.

Black Larder Beetle

These beetles are pests that feed on stored food products, including pet food and grains. They are black with a distinctive band of yellowish-orange on their body.

Black Peach Aphid

These aphids are pests that feed on the sap of peach trees, causing damage to the leaves and fruit. They are black in color with a distinctive white waxy coating.

Black Pecan Aphid

These aphids are pests that feed on pecan trees, causing damage to the foliage and nuts. They are black in color with a distinctive white waxy coating.

Black Potter Wasp

These wasps are important predators, feeding on other insects like caterpillars and spiders. They are black with distinctive yellow markings on their thorax.

Black Scale

These scales are pests that feed on various trees and shrubs, including citrus and olive. They are small and black with a dome-shaped body.

Black Soldier Fly

These flies are important decomposers, feeding on decaying organic material and waste products. They are black and can be found worldwide.

Black Thread Scale

These scales are pests that feed on various trees and shrubs, including camellias and maples. They are small and black with a thread-like body.

Black Turpentine Beetle

These beetles are pests that feed on various conifer trees, causing damage to the bark and wood. They are small and black with a distinctive white band on their body.

Black Vine Weevil

These weevils are pests that feed on the roots and foliage of various plants, including grapes and strawberries. They are black in color with distinctive white markings on their body.

Black Witch

This moth species is found across Central and South America and is known for its distinctive black coloration. They are often associated with myths and legends in local cultures.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of B insects.

Compiling a list of insects required a lot of patience and dedication. I had to wade through an endless sea of articles, videos, and other materials to ensure I had included all the necessary information. But in the end, I managed to put together a comprehensive list that I’m proud of.

Insects have astonishing abilities and characteristics that make them stand out among other animals. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns, and their behavior and lifestyles are fascinating. Flies, for example, can fly backwards and have eyes that can detect movement up to 180 degrees. Beetles have hardened wing covers that serve as shields against potential predators, and some species even glow in the dark. Despite their apparent complexity, insects are incredibly fragile and vulnerable to human activities’ harmful effects. It is up to us to take responsibility for keeping their populations safe and healthy.

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