Insects That Start With N

Insects are often dismissed as annoying pests or creepy crawlers, but in reality, they are some of the most interesting and important organisms on the planet. These diminutive creatures have been around for over 400 million years and have survived numerous mass extinctions, thanks to their incredible adaptive abilities. Insects have inspired many human inventions, such as flying machines, robotics, and materials science. They also serve as a valuable source of food and medicine in many cultures, and their ecological services are essential for maintaining the balance of our ecosystems.

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 N!

32 Insects That Start With N

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

Narcissus Bulb Fly

The narcissus bulb fly, scientifically known as Merodon equestris, is a small but mighty fly known for its ability to lay its eggs on narcissus bulbs. It is a common pest in Europe, where it can cause significant damage to the commercial bulb industry. The fly larvae feed on the interior of the bulbs, causing rot and stunting the growth of the narcissus plants. The adult flies are typically seen hovering around the bulbs, waiting to lay their eggs. While they may be a nuisance to gardeners and commercial growers alike, their role in pollinating flowers and helping break down organic matter cannot be understated.

Narrownecked Grain Beetle

The narrownecked grain beetle, or Oryzaephilus surinamensis, is a common pest of stored grains and other food products. These tiny, dark brown beetles are only about 3mm long and can infest a wide range of food products, including rice, corn, wheat, and even dried fruit. They are known for their ability to get into tightly sealed containers and infest the contents. The larvae feed on the grains, reducing their nutrient value and making them unsuitable for human consumption. These beetles are a common problem in households and commercial food storage facilities alike.

Narrowwinged Mantid

The narrowwinged mantid, or Thesprotia graminis, is a small but ferocious predator. These slender mantids are found throughout the eastern and southern United States and are known for their voracious appetites. They are often seen on plants in gardens and meadows, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey, which can include other insects, spiders, and even small frogs and lizards. Their long, slender bodies and narrow wings make them difficult for prey to spot, and their sharp, serrated forelegs make quick work of their victims.

Native Holly Leafminer

The native holly leafminer, or Phytomyza ilicicola, is a small fly that causes damage to holly leaves. The adult flies lay their eggs on the underside of holly leaves, and the larvae burrow into the leaves, causing characteristic brown patches and blisters. While the damage can be unsightly, it is generally not severe enough to be fatal to the plant, and natural predators such as parasitic wasps can help control populations of the leafminer.

Navel Orangeworm

The navel orangeworm, or Amyelois transitella, is a major pest of nuts, including almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. The larvae of the moth burrow into the nuts and feed on the kernels, often causing significant damage and reducing the value of the crop. The moths are most active in early summer and early fall, and can be controlled through a variety of methods, including pheromone traps and insecticides.

Nevada Buck Moth

The Nevada buck moth, or Hemileuca nevadensis, is a large, colorful moth found throughout the western United States. The adults are typically seen in late summer and early fall and are known for their striking colors and intricate wing patterns. The larval stage of the moth can be a pest to fruit trees and other crops, but the adults are harmless and are an important food source for birds and other animals.

Nevada Bumble Bee

The Nevada bumble bee, or Bombus nevadensis, is a native species of bumble bee found throughout the western United States. These fuzzy, yellow and black bees are important pollinators for a wide variety of crops and wildflowers, and are known for their gentle, non-aggressive nature. They are generally not considered to be a pest, although populations of bumble bees have declined significantly in recent years due to habitat loss and pesticides.

Nevada Sage Grasshopper

The Nevada sage grasshopper, or Melanoplus borealis, is a large, robust grasshopper found in the western United States. These grasshoppers are typically gray or brown in color and can be important herbivores in sagebrush ecosystems. While they can cause damage to crops and gardens, their role in maintaining the balance of natural ecosystems cannot be understated.

New House Borer

The new house borer, or Hylotrupes bajulus, is a type of wood-boring beetle that can cause significant damage to wooden structures, including homes and furniture. The beetle larvae feed on the interior of the wood, causing weakening and structural damage over time. While the beetle is not native to North America, it has been introduced and is now found throughout much of the continent.

New York Weevil

The New York weevil, or Listronotus antitaurinus, is a type of beetle that is found throughout much of North America. These small, black beetles are typically seen on lawns and other grassy areas in the spring and summer, where they feed on the roots of grasses and other plants. While they can cause damage to lawns and other vegetation, they are generally not considered to be a major pest.

Nigra Scale

The nigra scale, or Saissetia oleae, is a type of sap-sucking scale insect that is found on a wide variety of plants, including citrus, olives, and ornamental shrubs. The scales can cause damage to the plants by reducing their ability to photosynthesize and transpire moisture. While the scales are small and relatively inconspicuous, they can cause significant damage over time if left unchecked.

Ninespotted Lady Beetle

The ninespotted lady beetle, or Coccinella novemnotata, is a type of lady beetle that is native to North America. These reddish-orange beetles are typically seen in gardens and other areas where there are aphids and other small insects to feed on. While they are important predators of pest insects, their populations have declined significantly in recent years due to habitat loss and pesticide use.

Northeastern Sawyer

The northeastern sawyer, or Monochamus notatus, is a type of longhorn beetle found in the eastern United States and Canada. These large, black and white beetles are known for their long antennae and ability to bore into dead or dying trees. While they can cause damage to trees, they are generally not considered to be a major pest.

Northern Cattle Grub

The northern cattle grub, or Hypoderma bovis, is a type of parasitic fly that is found in cattle and other livestock in North America. The larvae of the fly burrow into the skin of the animals and feed on their tissue, causing irritation and scarring. While the grubs can cause significant damage if they are not controlled, a number of management strategies have been developed to help prevent infestations.

Northern Corn Rootworm

The northern corn rootworm, or Diabrotica barberi, is a type of beetle that feeds on the roots of corn plants. The larvae of the beetle can cause significant damage to the roots, reducing the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and water. While the beetles can be difficult to control, a number of management strategies have been developed to help reduce infestations.

Northern Fowl Mite

The northern fowl mite, or Ornithonyssus sylviarum, is a type of blood-sucking mite that is found in chickens and other birds. The mites can cause anemia, weight loss, and decreased egg production in the birds, and can be difficult to control once established in a flock. While a number of management strategies have been developed to help prevent infestations, mites are a common problem for backyard chicken keepers and commercial poultry growers alike.

Northern Giant Hornet

The northern giant hornet, or Vespa mandarinia, is a large, powerful hornet found in Asia. These hornets are known for their aggressive behavior and ability to kill large numbers of honeybees, making them a threat to the honey industry. While the hornets are not typically aggressive towards humans, their powerful sting can be dangerous and can cause anaphylactic shock in some people.

Northern House Mosquito

The northern house mosquito, or Culex pipiens, is a type of mosquito found throughout much of North America. These mosquitoes are known for their ability to transmit a variety of diseases, including West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis. While they can be a nuisance to humans and pets, mosquito control efforts have been developed to help reduce mosquito populations and the risk of disease transmission.

Northern Masked Chafer

The northern masked chafer, or Cyclocephala borealis, is a type of beetle found in the eastern United States and Canada. These brown beetles are typically seen on lawns and other grassy areas in the summer months, where they can cause damage to the roots of grasses and other vegetation. While they can be a nuisance, they are generally not considered to be a major pest.

Northern Mole Cricket

The northern mole cricket, or Gryllotalpa hexadactyla, is a type of cricket found in the eastern United States and Canada. These large, burrowing insects can cause damage to lawns and other vegetation by uprooting plants and digging tunnels through the soil. While they can be a nuisance to homeowners, they are an important part of the food chain and can be controlled through a variety of management strategies.

Northern Rat Flea

The Northern Rat Flea is a small but dangerous insect that plagues mammals across the northern regions. Often carrying harmful parasites, it feeds on the blood of its host and reproduces at an alarming rate. Its quick movements make it difficult to catch, and its presence in homes can lead to severe infestations.

Northern Spruce Engraver

The Northern Spruce Engraver is a beetle that burrows into the bark of spruce trees, causing significant damage to their health. With its powerful jaws and sharp mandibles, it chews through the tree’s outer layer, creating intricate galleries in its wake. If left unchecked, this beetle can weaken and kill healthy spruce trees.

Northern Tamarisk Beetle

The Northern Tamarisk Beetle is a pest that feeds on the leaves and stems of tamarisk plants. Originating from Asia, it has become an invasive species in northern regions of the world, where it causes significant damage to natural ecosystems. Its rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators make it difficult to control.

Northern Walkingstick

The Northern Walkingstick is a unique insect that has evolved perfectly to blend in with its surroundings. With its long, thin body and twig-like appearance, it can easily hide from predators. Despite its fragile appearance, it can also deliver a surprisingly painful bite if provoked.

Northwest Coast Mosquito

The Northwest Coast Mosquito is a common pest in coastal regions, feeding on the blood of animals and humans alike. Its bite is known to cause irritation and swelling and can transmit disease if infected. With their large numbers and persistence, these mosquitoes can be a significant nuisance during the summer months.

Norway Maple Aphid

The Norway Maple Aphid is a small, pear-shaped insect that feeds on the sap of Norway maple trees. Clusters of these insects can cause significant damage to the tree’s leaves, leading to stunted growth and reduced vitality. Despite their small size, they reproduce quickly, making control efforts a constant challenge.

Nose Bot Fly

The Nose Bot Fly is a parasitic insect that lays its eggs in the nostrils of animals. Upon hatching, the larvae burrow into the nasal passages, where they feed on mucus and tissues. Once fully developed, they emerge from their host’s nose and pupate in the soil. This insect can be particularly harmful to livestock and other domesticated animals.

Nutgrass Armyworm

The Nutgrass Armyworm is a pest that feeds on the leaves of many crops, leading to significant damage and reduced yields. With their small size and rapid reproduction, these insects can quickly spread across large areas if left unchecked.

Nutgrass Billbug

The Nutgrass Billbug is a type of weevil that feeds on the roots of grasses, including those used in turf and pasture. Their damage can be difficult to detect, leading to significant harm to the plants over time. Control measures typically involve insecticides and cultural practices.

Nutgrass Borer Moth

The Nutgrass Borer Moth is a small, brown moth that lays its eggs on the leaves of nutgrass plants. Upon hatching, the larvae tunnel into the plant’s stems, where they feed and develop. Infestations can lead to reduced plant growth and yield, making control efforts critical to farmers.

Nutgrass Weevil

The Nutgrass Weevil is a small, snout beetle that feeds on the roots of various crops, including corn and alfalfa. With their sharp mandibles and strong legs, they can easily chew through plant tissues, leading to significant damage over time. Control measures typically involve insecticides and cultural practices.

Nuttall Blister Beetle

The Nuttall Blister Beetle is a striking insect with a black body and striking red and yellow markings. It feeds on the leaves and flowers of various plants, and its secretions contain a blistering agent that can cause significant harm to humans and animals. Its vivid colors serve as a warning sign to predators to avoid its toxic defense mechanism.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of N 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 N alphabet has been useful to you!