Insects That Start With P

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.

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 P!

79 Insects That Start With P

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

Pacific Beetle Cockroach

This intriguing species of cockroach is native to the Pacific coast of North America. Known for its large size and distinctive black color, the Pacific Beetle Cockroach is often considered a pest due to its tendency to invade buildings and homes. However, these insects are also an important food source for many predators in the region, including birds, lizards, and spiders.

Pacific Cicada Killer

The Pacific Cicada Killer is a large wasp found throughout the western United States and Canada. These insects are known for their unique hunting behavior, as they capture and paralyze cicadas before dragging them back to their underground nests. Despite their intimidating size and appearance, the Pacific Cicada Killer is not aggressive towards humans and rarely stings unless provoked.

Pacific Coast Tick

The Pacific Coast Tick is a common parasite found in coastal regions of California, Oregon, and Washington. These ticks are known to carry a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, making them a significant health risk to humans and animals.

Pacific Coast Wireworm

The Pacific Coast Wireworm is a type of beetle larvae found in the soil throughout the Pacific Northwest. These pests are known to damage crops and can be a significant threat to agriculture in the region.

Pacific Cockroach

The Pacific Cockroach is a small, brown-colored insect commonly found in homes and commercial buildings throughout the Pacific region. These roaches are known for their ability to adapt and thrive in urban environments, making them a common pest problem.

Pacific Dampwood Termite

The Pacific Dampwood Termite is a termite species found in the Pacific Northwest, as well as other regions of North America. These insects are known for their ability to tolerate damp conditions and are often found in areas of high moisture, such as basements and crawl spaces.

Pacific Flatheaded Borer

The Pacific Flatheaded Borer is a type of beetle found in the Pacific Northwest and California. These insects are known for their distinctive flat heads, which give them their name. While they do not typically pose a significant threat to humans, Pacific Flatheaded Borers can cause damage to trees and other plants.

Pacific Kissing Bug

The Pacific Kissing Bug is a species of assassin bug found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. These insects are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a long, thin body and elongated head. While they are not typically aggressive towards humans, Pacific Kissing Bugs can transmit Chagas disease, a serious illness that can cause long-term health problems.

Pacific Tent Caterpillar

The Pacific Tent Caterpillar is a common pest found in forests and other wooded areas across the western United States and Canada. These insects are known for their distinctive tent-like nests, which they build in the branches of trees. While they do not typically cause significant damage to the trees they inhabit, Pacific Tent Caterpillars can defoliate large areas and can be a nuisance to humans in some cases.

Packard Grasshopper

The Packard Grasshopper is a species of grasshopper found in the western United States and Mexico. These insects are known for their large size and distinctive yellow-green coloration. While they do not typically pose a significant threat to humans or agriculture, Packard Grasshoppers can be a nuisance in some areas.

Painted Beauty

The Painted Beauty is a species of butterfly found throughout North America. These insects are known for their distinctive orange and black wing pattern, which varies slightly between individuals. While they are primarily found in open grasslands and meadows, Painted Beauties are also common in gardens and other landscaped areas.

Painted Hickory Borer

The Painted Hickory Borer is a species of beetle found in the eastern and central United States. These insects are known for their distinctive black and white coloration, which resembles a painted pattern. While they typically do not pose a significant threat to humans or agriculture, Painted Hickory Borers can cause damage to trees and other woody plants.

Painted Lady

The Painted Lady is a species of butterfly found throughout much of the world, including North America. These insects are known for their distinctive brown, orange, and white wing pattern, which is similar to that of the Painted Beauty. While they are primarily found in open habitats, Painted Ladies can also be seen in gardens and other human-altered areas.

Painted Leafhopper

The Painted Leafhopper is a type of insect found throughout North America. These pests are known for their distinctive green and yellow coloration, as well as their ability to transmit plant diseases. While they do not typically pose a significant threat to humans, Painted Leafhoppers can cause damage to crops and ornamental plants.

Painted Maple Aphid

The Painted Maple Aphid is a species of aphid found in North America and Europe. These insects are known for their distinctive pink and black coloration, as well as their ability to damage maple and other deciduous trees. While they do not typically pose a significant threat to humans, Painted Maple Aphids can be a nuisance in some areas.

Pale Apple Leafroller

The Pale Apple Leafroller is a type of moth found throughout much of North America. These insects are known for their ability to damage apple and other fruit trees, and can be a significant threat to agriculture in some areas.

Pale Damsel Bug

The Pale Damsel Bug is a species of true bug found throughout North America. These insects are known for their ability to prey on other insects, making them an important natural control measure for pest species.

Pale Juniper Webworm

The Pale Juniper Webworm is a type of moth found throughout western North America. These insects are known for their ability to spin webs and defoliate juniper trees, making them a significant threat to the plant in some areas.

Pale Leaf Spider

The Pale Leaf Spider is a species of spider found throughout North America. These spiders are known for their ability to blend in with their natural surroundings and their distinctive triangular shape. While they typically do not pose a significant threat to humans, Pale Leaf Spiders can be a nuisance in some areas.

Pale Legume Bug

The Pale Legume Bug is a type of true bug found throughout much of North America. These insects are known for their ability to damage legumes and other crops, making them a significant threat to agriculture in some areas.

Pale Tussock Moth

This moth’s larvae are particularly striking with their black and white tufts of hair. Adults can be seen flying around in late spring and early summer.

Pale Western Cutworm

The larvae of this cutworm are known for their ability to burrow deep into the soil during the day and emerge at night to feed on plants. This makes them difficult to control with traditional pesticides.

Palesided Cutworm

Also called the “climbing cutworm”, this species is known for its ability to climb and feed on plant material high up on stems. Control methods include removing weeds and other host plants in the area.

Palestriped Flea Beetle

These small, metallic green beetles can be a pest of various plants including cabbage, radish, and turnips. They are known for their jumping ability, making them difficult to catch and control.

Pallidwinged Grasshopper

This grasshopper species can be found in arid regions of North America. They are known for their mostly green and brown coloring, with a distinctive pale yellow wing color.

Palm Leafskeletonizer

This pest can cause significant damage to palm trees, especially in tropical regions. The larvae feed on the leaves, leaving behind only the skeletal veins.

Palmerworm

Also known as the “cankerworm”, this species can cause significant defoliation in forests. They are most commonly seen in the fall and winter months.

Pandanus Mealybug

This mealybug species is a pest of pandanus plants, which are native to tropical regions such as Polynesia. Infestations can cause leaves to yellow and fall off.

Pantropical Huntsman Spider

This large spider species can be found in tropical regions around the world. Despite their intimidating size, they are not known to be dangerous to humans.

Papaya Fruit Fly

This fruit fly species can be a significant pest of papaya crops, causing damage to both the fruit itself and the trees on which it grows.

Papaya Mealybug

This mealybug species is a pest of papaya crops in tropical regions. Infestations can cause stunted growth and deformed fruit.

Parasitic Grain Wasp

This wasp species is a natural predator of grain pests such as weevils and moths. They lay their eggs in the pests’ eggs, eventually killing them.

Parsnip Webworm

The larvae of this moth species can be a pest of parsnip plants, feeding on the leaves and creating webs for protection. Infestations can cause significant damage to crops.

Pavement Ant

This ant species is commonly found in urban areas, where they nest under pavement and in buildings. They are known for their scavenging behavior and are attracted to sweets and greasy foods.

Pea Leaf Weevil

This weevil species can be a significant pest of pea crops, causing damage to the leaves and stunting growth. Infestations can be controlled with insecticides or crop rotation.

Pea Leafminer

This fly species can cause significant damage to pea crops, with larvae feeding on the inside of leaves. Infected leaves may have brown patches or blistering.

Pea Moth

This moth species can be a pest of pea crops, with larvae feeding on the seeds and causing damage to the crop. Infected seeds may be discolored or have exit holes.

Pea Weevil

This weevil species can be a significant pest of pea crops, with larvae feeding on the seeds and causing damage to the crop. Control measures include crop rotation and insecticide use.

Peach Bark Beetle

This beetle species can cause significant damage to peach trees, with larvae tunneling under the bark and causing cankers to form. Control measures include removing infested wood and insecticide use.

Peach Twig Borer

This moth species can be a pest of peach and other fruit trees, with larvae feeding on the twigs and causing damage to the tree. Infested twigs may have blackened areas or die back.

Peachtree Borer

This clearwing moth species can be a significant pest of peach trees, with larvae tunneling under the bark and causing damage to the tree. Control measures include removing infested wood and insecticide use.

Pear Midge

This fly species can be a pest of pear trees, with larvae feeding on the buds and causing damage to the crop. Infestations can be controlled with insecticides or biological control methods.

Pear Plant Bug

This bug species can be a pest of pear trees, with adults and nymphs feeding on the leaves and fruits. Infestations can be controlled with insecticides or biological control methods.

Pear Psylla

This psyllid species can be a pest of pear trees, with nymphs feeding on the leaves and causing damage to the crop. Infestations can be controlled with insecticides or biological control methods.

Pear Rust Mite

This mite species can be a pest of pear trees, with individuals feeding on the leaves and causing damage to the crop. Infested leaves may have a distinctive rust-like appearance.

Pear Sawfly

This sawfly species can be a pest of pear trees, with larvae feeding on the leaves and causing damage to the crops. Infestations can be controlled with insecticides or biological control methods.

Pear Thrips

This thrips species can be a pest of pear trees, with adults and nymphs feeding on the leaves and flowers. Infestations can cause stunted growth and reduced fruit quality.

Pearleaf Blister Mite

This mite species can be a pest of pear trees, with individuals feeding on the leaves and causing blister-like deformities. Infestations can be controlled with insecticides or biological control methods.

Pecan Bud Moth

This moth species can be a significant pest of pecan trees, with larvae feeding on the buds and causing damage to the tree. Infestations can be controlled with insecticides or biological control methods.

Pecan Carpenterworm

This clearwing moth species can be a pest of pecan trees, with larvae tunneling under the bark and causing damage to the tree. Control measures include removing infested wood and insecticide use.

Pecan Cigar Casebearer

The Pecan Cigar Casebearer, also known as the Hickory Shuckworm, is a common pest of pecans in the Southern United States. Its larvae feed on the developing nuts and use pieces of the shuck to construct a cigar-shaped case around themselves.

Pecan Leaf Phylloxera

The Pecan Leaf Phylloxera is a small, sap-sucking insect that feeds on the leaves of pecan trees. Infestations can cause stunted growth and defoliation of the tree, reducing nut yield.

Pecan Leafroll Mite

The Pecan Leafroll Mite is a microscopic pest that feeds on the undersides of pecan leaves, causing them to curl and become distorted. Severe infestations can lead to reduced nut production and tree decline.

Pecan Nut Casebearer

The Pecan Nut Casebearer is a moth whose larvae bore into developing pecan nuts, causing them to drop prematurely. Multiple generations can occur each year, making control difficult.

Pecan Phylloxera

The Pecan Phylloxera is a type of aphid-like insect that feeds on the roots of pecan trees, causing galls to form. Infested trees may appear stunted and have reduced nut yield.

Pecan Serpentine Leafminer

The Pecan Serpentine Leafminer is a small fly whose larvae tunnel through pecan leaves, causing characteristic “serpentine” trails. While damage is generally minimal, severe infestations can lead to defoliation.

Pecan Spittlebug

The Pecan Spittlebug is a small, green insect that coats itself in a protective layer of spittle. Nymphs feed on the sap of pecan trees, while the adults feed on other plant material.

Pecan Weevil

The Pecan Weevil is a large beetle whose larvae bore into developing pecan nuts, causing them to drop prematurely. Infestations can lead to significant crop loss.

Pepper Maggot

The Pepper Maggot, also known as the Tomato Fruitworm, is a type of fruit fly that attacks peppers and tomatoes. Its larvae feed on the developing fruit, causing damage and reducing yield.

Pepper-and-salt Moth

The Pepper-and-salt Moth is a small, grayish moth whose larvae feed on a variety of crops, including corn, tomatoes, and potatoes. Damage is generally restricted to the foliage and is rarely severe enough to cause yield loss.

Peppergrass Beetle

The Peppergrass Beetle is a small, yellow beetle that feeds on the leaves of peppergrass and other cruciferous plants. While it can cause cosmetic damage, it is not a significant pest of commercial crops.

Persimmon Borer

The Persimmon Borer is a type of clearwing moth whose larvae bore into the trunks and branches of persimmon trees. Severe infestations can cause tree decline and death.

Phantom Hemlock Looper

The Phantom Hemlock Looper is a type of moth whose larvae feed on the needles of conifers, including hemlock, spruce, and fir. While defoliation can be severe, most trees can recover from moderate infestations.

Pharaoh Ant

The Pharaoh Ant is a small, yellow ant that is a common pest in urban areas. They are known to infest homes and businesses, and can be difficult to control due to their small size and large colonies.

Philippine Katydid

The Philippine Katydid is a large, green insect with long antennae and legs. It is a common sight in the forests of the Philippines, where it feeds on a variety of plants.

Phlox Plant Bug

The Phlox Plant Bug is a small, winged insect that feeds on the flowers and foliage of phlox and other plants. Infestations can cause leaves to become distorted and brown, reducing the aesthetic value of the plant.

Pickleworm

The Pickleworm is a type of moth whose larvae feed on the fruit of cucurbit plants, including cucumbers, squash, and melons. Early detection and control measures are essential to prevent crop loss.

Pigeon Tremex

The Pigeon Tremex is a large, black and yellow wasp that is often mistaken for a hornet. Its larvae feed on the wood of decaying trees, making it a valuable decomposer in forest ecosystems.

Pin Oak Kermes

The Pin Oak Kermes is a type of scale insect that feeds on the sap of oak trees, causing galls to form on the twigs and leaves. While infestations are rarely severe, heavy infestations can cause stunted growth.

Pine Butterfly

The Pine Butterfly is a type of moth whose larvae feed on the needles of pine trees, causing defoliation and reduced growth. Outbreaks occur periodically and can be devastating to pine forests.

Pine Candle Moth

The Pine Candle Moth is a large, brown moth whose larvae feed on the developing cones of pine trees. While infestations can cause reduced cone production, healthy trees can withstand moderate damage.

Pine Chafer

The Pine Chafer is a type of beetle whose larvae feed on the roots of pine trees. Infestations can cause stunted growth and tree decline, particularly in young trees.

Pine Colaspis

The Pine Colaspis is a small, brown beetle whose larvae feed on the roots of pine trees. Damage is generally minimal and rarely causes significant harm to the tree.

Pine Engraver

The Pine Engraver is a type of bark beetle whose larvae bore into the phloem and cambium layers of pine trees, killing branches and causing tree decline. Outbreaks can be devastating to pine forests.

Pine False Webworm

The Pine False Webworm is a type of moth whose larvae construct webbing on the needles of pine trees. While damage is generally minimal, heavy infestations can lead to defoliation and reduced growth.

Pine Gall Weevil

The Pine Gall Weevil is a small, black weevil whose larvae feed on the buds of pine trees, causing growths called “galls” to form. While infestations are rarely severe, repeated attacks can lead to reduced growth.

Pine Leaf Adelgid

The Pine Leaf Adelgid is a type of aphid-like insect that feeds on the needles of pine trees, causing them to become distorted and stunted. Infestations can be minimized through proper tree care and insecticidal treatments.

Pine Needle Scale

The Pine Needle Scale is a type of scale insect that feeds on the needles of pine trees, causing them to turn yellow and drop prematurely. Infestations can be severe, particularly during periods of drought.

Pine Needle Sheathminer

The Pine Needle Sheathminer is a type of moth whose larvae feed on the needles of pine trees, causing them to become discolored and fall prematurely. While infestations can be severe, most trees can recover with proper care.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of P 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.

Insects are a fascinating creature that dwells in almost every corner of the earth. They have an amazing ability to adapt to their surroundings, and some species can live in the most extreme environments. Some ants, for instance, can survive underwater for almost an hour, while some moths can fly for thousands of kilometers. Insects’ incredible diversity makes them integral to the world’s living systems, performing vital functions that are critical to many species’ survival. Owing to the human-induced environmental changes, insect populations are facing mass extinction. It is high time people took proactive measures to protect their surroundings, preserve insect habitats, and prevent their extinction.

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