Insects That Start With C

When most people think of insects, they tend to imagine bothersome bugs that invade their homes or swarm around outdoor lights. However, there’s much more to these tiny creatures than meets the eye. Insects are a diverse and complex group of animals that have adapted to countless niches and lifestyles. They range from the microscopic to the meter-long, from the solitary to the social, and from the harmless to the deadly. They also exhibit a vast array of astounding behaviors, such as pollination, parasitism, mimicry, bioluminescence, and migration.

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.

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

79 Insects That Start With C

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

Cabbage Aphid

The Cabbage Aphid is a small, soft-bodied insect that feeds exclusively on cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables. They can be a major problem for farmers as they can quickly reproduce and infest entire fields. These insects have a complex life cycle, with both winged and wingless forms, and are often attended by ants that harvest honeydew excreted by the aphids. Cabbage Aphids can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves, making the plant more susceptible to disease. They can be controlled through the use of natural predators like ladybugs or parasitic wasps, or through the use of insecticidal soaps.

Cabbage Looper

The Cabbage Looper is a caterpillar that feeds on cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables. It gets its name from the way it “loops” its body as it moves. These insects can cause a lot of damage to crops as they eat large amounts of plant tissue. Cabbage Loopers are often controlled through the use of insecticides, but natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps can also help control their population.

Cabbage Maggot

The Cabbage Maggot is a small fly that lays its eggs near the base of the cabbage plant. The larvae hatch and then burrow into the root of the plant, feeding on the tissue and causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. These insects can be controlled through the use of row covers or insecticidal sprays, but crop rotation can also help prevent infestations.

Cabbage Seedpod Weevil

The Cabbage Seedpod Weevil is a small beetle that feeds on the seedpods of cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables. They can cause significant damage to the crop by destroying the seeds before they can be harvested. These insects can be controlled through the use of insecticides or by removing the affected plants.

Cabbage Seedstalk Curculio

The Cabbage Seedstalk Curculio is a small weevil that feeds on the seed stalks of cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables. They can cause significant damage to the crop by destroying the seed stalks, which reduces the yield of the crop. These insects can be controlled through crop rotation or by using insecticides.

Cactus Moth

The Cactus Moth is a small moth that feeds on cacti. They can be a major pest of cacti in some areas, causing significant damage to the plants. These insects can be controlled through the use of insecticides, but biological controls like parasitic wasps can also be effective.

Cactus Scale

The Cactus Scale is a small, armored insect that feeds on cacti. They can be a major pest of cacti in some areas, causing significant damage to the plants. These insects can be controlled through the use of insecticides, but biological controls like ladybugs can also be effective.

Caledonia Seed Bug

The Caledonia Seed Bug is a small bug that feeds on seeds of plants. They can be a minor pest of crops, but are generally not a major concern for farmers. These insects do not typically require control measures.

California Fivespined Ips

The California Fivespined Ips is a type of bark beetle that feeds on pine trees. They can be a significant pest of pine forests in California, causing significant damage to the trees. These insects can be controlled through the use of insecticides or through the use of pheromone traps.

California Flatheaded Borer

The California Flatheaded Borer is a type of beetle that feeds on trees and shrubs. They can be a major pest of ornamental plants and fruit trees in California. These insects can be controlled through the use of insecticides or through the use of biological controls like parasitic wasps.

California Harvester Ant

The California Harvester Ant is a large ant that feeds on seeds. They can be a minor pest of crops, but are generally not a major concern for farmers. These insects do not typically require control measures.

California Oakworm

The California Oakworm is a caterpillar that feeds on oak trees. They can be a significant pest of oak forests in California, causing significant defoliation of the trees. These insects can be controlled through the use of insecticides or through the use of pheromone traps.

California Pear Sawfly

The California Pear Sawfly is a small, black insect that feeds on the leaves of pear trees. They can be a minor pest of pear trees, but are generally not a major concern for farmers. These insects do not typically require control measures.

California Red Scale

The California Red Scale is a small, armored insect that feeds on citrus trees. They can be a major pest of citrus trees in California, causing significant damage to the fruit. These insects can be controlled through the use of insecticides or by using biological controls like parasitic wasps.

California Saltmarsh Mosquito

The California Saltmarsh Mosquito is a type of mosquito that is found in saltmarshes and other wetland areas. They can be a nuisance to humans but do not typically transmit diseases. These insects can be controlled through the use of insecticides or through the use of larval control measures.

California Tortoiseshell

The California Tortoiseshell is a type of butterfly that is found in California. They can be a beautiful addition to gardens and natural areas, but are generally not a pest or a concern for farmers. These insects do not typically require control measures.

Camphor Scale

The Camphor Scale is a small, armored insect that feeds on camphor trees. They can be a significant pest of camphor trees in some areas, causing significant damage to the trees. These insects can be controlled through the use of insecticides or through the use of biological controls like parasitic wasps.

Camphor Shot Borer

The Camphor Shot Borer is a small beetle that feeds on camphor trees. They can be a significant pest of camphor trees in some areas, causing significant damage to the trees. These insects can be controlled through the use of insecticides or through the use of biological controls like parasitic wasps.

Camphor Thrips

The Camphor Thrips is a small insect that feeds on camphor trees. They can be a significant pest of camphor trees in some areas, causing significant damage to the trees. These insects can be controlled through the use of insecticides or through the use of biological controls like parasitic wasps.

Caragana Blister Beetle

The Caragana Blister Beetle is a small beetle that feeds on the leaves of caragana bushes. They can be a minor pest of these plants, but are generally not a significant concern for farmers. These insects do not typically require control measures.

Caragana Plant Bug

This tiny yet notorious insect is considered as a pest as it eats the sap from the leaves and pods of a Caragana plant, causing damage to it by creating small blemishes on its surface.

Caribbean Fruit Fly

The Caribbean Fruit Fly is regarded as one of the most destructive fruit flies in the world. It lays its eggs in the fruit, which inhibits fruit growth and results in premature fruit drop.

Carnation Maggot

The Carnation Maggot is a notorious pest for florists as it often damages and even destroys the Carnation flowers. Its excrement creates browning tissue, destroying the aesthetics of the flower.

Carolina Grasshopper

The hardy Carolina Grasshopper, found usually in meadows, eats almost anything it can find- from flowers to vegetables, making it an agricultural pest in some regions of the East Coast.

Carpenterworm

The brown and white larvae of the Carpenterworm is well-known for burrowing inside trees, leaving sawdust-like excrement on the exterior. If in large numbers, it can threaten the structural integrity of wooden structures.

Carpet Beetle

The Carpet Beetle, a common household pest, typically feeds on natural fibers such as wool and silk, but it also likes other products such as pet food, bird nests, and human hair.

Carrot Beetle

The Carrot Beetle is a member of the leaf beetle family and feeds exclusively on umbelliferous crops like carrots, celery, and parsley, causing damage to these crops by eating the leaves and creating holes in them.

Carrot Rust Fly

The Carrot Rust Fly is a significant pest of carrots and damages the crop by feeding on the roots, as well as laying its eggs on them, which hatches a larvae that further burrows into the vegetable.

Carrot Weevil

The Carrot Weevil, a pest native to Mexico, can cause severe crop damage by chewing on the carrot leaves and destroying the root of the vegetables.

Casemaking Clothes Moth

The Casemaking Clothes Moth has a distinctive characteristic- it makes a protective casing using bits of wool or cotton fibers in order to molt and pupate. It’s considered a pest as their larvae feed on natural fibers causing damage to clothing.

Casuarina Tussock Moth

The Casuarina Tussock Moth, a native Australian insect, feeds on the foliage of casuarina trees that could lead to complete defoliation of the tree in severe infestations.

Cat Follicle Mite

The Cat Follicle Mite, which lives on the skin surface of cats, is not harmful to the animal, but can be a cause of concern for those who are allergic to cats, as it’s commonly present in their skin.

Cat Louse

Cat Lice are small and wingless, and usually infect felines who have other lice on them. They feed on their host’s blood and cause skin irritation.

Catalpa Midge

The Catalpa Midge, also known as the Catalpa Worm, is native to North America and often infests the leaves of Catalpa trees. Although they cause extensive leaf damage, they’re considered beneficial as they also serve as food for birds and fish.

Catalpa Sphinx

The Catalpa Sphinx, also known as the Catawba Moth, is a large and colorful insect commonly found in the Eastern United States. Although they can be damaging to younger trees, they’re not considered a significant pest.

Cattle Biting Louse

Cattle Biting Lice are tiny, wingless insects that often live in the hair coats of cattle, and feed on their blood. Heavy infestations can cause hair loss and decreased cattle weight.

Cattle Itch Mite

The Cattle Itch Mite, which burrows into the skin of the cattle, causes intense irritation, and can damage the hides of the animal, leading to economic losses for farmers.

Cattle Tail Louse

Cattle Tail Lice are wingless insects that infest the tail and rump area of cattle. They feed on the animal’s blood, causing itching and irritation, and can lead to lowered cattle weight gain.

Cattle Tick

The Cattle Tick, a common pest for livestock in hot and humid regions, feeds on the blood of cattle, causing anemia and the spread of diseases like fever, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.

Cecropia Moth

The Cecropia Moth, one of the largest moths in North America, is a stunning sight. Although they don’t cause any significant damage, their larvae feed on the leaves of trees, and high numbers can lead to complete defoliation of the tree.

Cedartree Borer

The Cedartree Borer, also known as the Juniper Borer, is a destructive beetle that usually feeds on the bark of cedar trees, causing significant damage and even killing the entire tree.

Celery Aphid

The Celery Aphid is a damaging pest that feeds on the foliage of celery plants, causing stunted growth and significant economic losses.

Celery Looper

The Celery Looper, a type of moth, lays its eggs on celery plants, the larvae of which feed on the foliage and destroy the crops.

Cereal Leaf Beetle

The Cereal Leaf Beetle, an invasive species, feeds on cereal crops such as barley, wheat, and oats, causing significant economic losses in agriculture.

Chaff Scale

The Chaff Scale, typically found in cereal crops like wheat, is a yellow tiny insect that causes damage by feeding on the stem cells of the plant.

Changa

The Changa, also known as the red velvet mite, is a type of mite used in traditional medicine. However, contact with the mite may cause skin irritation and an allergic reaction.

Cheese Mite

The Cheese Mite, tiny and white, usually lives in cheese and feeds on the fungal and bacterial growth on its surface. It’s not considered harmful to humans, but it can cause spoilage and reduce the quality of the product.

Cherry Casebearer

The Cherry Casebearer, a small moth with colorful wings, lays its eggs inside cherry fruits, where the larvae feeds on the flesh, causing significant damage and economic losses for cherry farmers.

Cherry Fruitworm

The Cherry Fruitworm is a tiny, reddish brown beetle that feeds on cherry fruit, causing damage by creating holes in the fruit flesh. The infestation may lead to a complete loss of the crop.

Cherry Leaf Beetle

The Cherry Leaf Beetle, metallic green in color, feeds on the leaves of cherry trees, causing significant foliage damage and economic losses for cherry growers.

Chestnut Timberworm

These wood-boring beetles are known for their destructive behavior on chestnut trees. The larvae can chew through the sapwood and heartwood of the tree, causing damage that can ultimately lead to the death of the tree.

Chicken Body Louse

Chicken body lice are parasitic insects that live on the skin and feathers of chickens. They feed on the blood of the chicken and can cause itching, irritation, and stress in the bird.

Chicken Head Louse

Chicken head lice are another type of parasitic insect that live on the skin and feathers of chickens. They primarily infest the head and neck region of the bird, and can cause similar issues as the body louse.

Chigoe

Also known as the sand flea, chigoes are small parasitic insects that burrow into the skin of mammals, including humans. They can cause itching, swelling, and infection if left untreated.

Chimney Swift Bug

These small, wingless insects are found in the nests of chimney swifts. They feed on the birds’ guano and other debris, and play an important role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter.

Chinese Dryinid

This wasp-like insect is a natural predator of aphids and other small insects. They lay their eggs inside the host insect, which eventually kills it and provides food for the developing larvae.

Chinese Obscure Scale

This scale insect is a pest of fruit trees and ornamental plants. They attach to the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking sap and causing damage to the foliage.

Chinese Rose Beetle

Also known as the Asiatic garden beetle, these insects feed on the leaves of rose bushes and other plants. They can cause significant damage if left unchecked, but can be controlled with pesticides or other methods.

Christmas Berry Webworm

These caterpillars are a pest of the Christmas berry plant. They create webs around the leaves and buds of the plant, feeding on the foliage and causing damage to the plant.

Chrysanthemum Aphid

These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of chrysanthemum plants. They can cause significant damage if left untreated, but can be controlled with insecticides or other methods.

Chrysanthemum Gall Midge

This insect is a pest of chrysanthemum plants. They lay their eggs in the buds of the plant, causing them to form galls or deformities. This can lead to reduced flower production and other issues.

Chrysanthemum Lace Bug

These insects are a pest of chrysanthemum plants, feeding on the sap of the leaves and causing damage to the foliage. They can be controlled with insecticides or other methods.

Chrysanthemum Leafminer

These small flies lay their eggs on the leaves of chrysanthemum plants. The larvae then burrow into the leaf, creating tunnels and causing damage to the foliage.

Chrysanthemum Thrips

These small insects feed on the sap of chrysanthemum plants, causing damage to the foliage. They can be controlled with insecticides or other methods.

Cigarette Beetle

Also known as the tobacco beetle, this insect is a pest of stored tobacco and other dried plant products, such as herbs and spices. They can cause significant damage if left unchecked.

Cinereous Cockroach

This type of cockroach is found primarily in Asia and North America. They prefer outdoor habitats and can be found in leaf litter, mulch, and other plant debris.

Cinnabar Moth

This brightly colored moth is native to parts of Europe and Asia. The larvae feed on the leaves of plants in the genus Senecio, and can be used as a biological control for invasive species of the plant.

Citrophilus Mealybug

These small insects are a pest of citrus trees. They feed on the sap of the tree, causing damage to the branches and fruit. They can be controlled with insecticides or other methods.

Citrus Blackfly

These small insects are a pest of citrus trees. They feed on the sap of the tree, causing damage to the leaves and fruit. They can be controlled with insecticides or other methods.

Citrus Longhorned Beetle

This wood-boring beetle is a pest of citrus trees and other woody plants. The larvae can cause significant damage to the tree, and can lead to reduced fruit production or death of the tree.

Citrus Red Mite

These mites are a pest of citrus trees. They feed on the leaves of the tree, causing damage to the foliage. They can be controlled with insecticides or other methods.

Citrus Root Weevil

These beetles are a pest of citrus trees and other woody plants. They feed on the roots of the tree, causing damage to the plant and potentially leading to death.

Citrus Rust Mite

These mites are a pest of citrus trees. They feed on the fruit of the tree, causing discoloration and other damage. They can be controlled with insecticides or other methods.

Citrus Snow Scale

This scale insect is a pest of citrus trees. They attach to the branches and fruit of the tree, causing damage to the plant. They can be controlled with insecticides or other methods.

Citrus Swallowtail

This butterfly is native to parts of Asia and Africa. They feed on the nectar of citrus trees and other plants, and help to pollinate the flowers.

Citrus Thrips

These small insects are a pest of citrus trees. They feed on the sap of the tree, causing damage to the foliage and potentially reducing fruit production.

Citrus Whitefly

These small insects are a pest of citrus trees. They feed on the sap of the tree, causing damage to the leaves and fruit. They can be controlled with insecticides or other methods.

Claybacked Cutworm

These caterpillars are a pest of many crops, including corn and soybeans. They feed on the foliage and roots of the plant, causing significant damage.

Clear Lake Gnat

This species of gnat is found in the Clear Lake region of California. They are known for their swarming behavior and can be a nuisance to humans in the area.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of C insects.

I created a list of insects by carefully researching and fact-checking each entry. It was a lot of work, but the final product is a comprehensive guide to a diverse range of insects.

Despite their significant contribution to our planet, insects are one of the most maligned and misunderstood creatures on earth. Due to their small size, people often fail to appreciate their critical role in sustaining our environment. Insects aid in pollination, natural pest control, and decomposition of organic matter, among other essential activities. Nevertheless, humans often forget their importance and inadvertently cause their extinction through deforestation, pesticide use, and pollution. We must take deliberate steps towards insect conservation to recognize, protect, and honor their role in our ecosystem.

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