Insects That Start With S

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 consulted with various experts in the field to ensure the accuracy of my information. When creating my list of insects, I wanted to make sure I had all the necessary details and information. The result is a comprehensive guide that anyone can use as a reference.

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

78 Insects That Start With S

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

Saddled Prominent

The Saddled Prominent is a moth with a wingspan of 50-75 mm. They are characterized by their green, brown and white saddled thorax, giving it its name. Their wings are brownish-grey with distinctive white lines and black and white bars on the abdomen. As caterpillars, they are known to feed on a variety of deciduous trees, including birch, elm, and maple. When fully grown, the Saddled Prominent caterpillar can reach up to 65mm long. They are found mainly in wooded areas across North America. Due to their striking color pattern, they are often considered a symbol of beauty and elegance.

Sagebrush Defoliator

The Sagebrush Defoliator is a moth whose larvae feed on sagebrush throughout the western United States. They are identified by their white forewings streaked with green, brown, and black markings. Adult Sagebrush Defoliators have a wingspan of 35-45mm and are active from mid to late summer. The caterpillars are black, hairless, with bright yellow underbelly and are responsible for defoliation of sagebrush plants. Despite their destructive nature, Sagebrush Defoliators can often be found in significant numbers in healthy sagebrush habitats.

Saltmarsh Caterpillar

The Saltmarsh Caterpillar is a black, hairy caterpillar with a distinct yellow or orange stripe down its back. They are known for their painful stings that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in humans. These caterpillars have a wide range of host plants, including corn, cotton, and cocoa. They are mainly found in the southern United States and Mexico. When fully grown, Saltmarsh Caterpillars can grow up to 50mm long. Although they can be problematic for farmers, Saltmarsh Caterpillars are an essential part of the food chain for many species of birds and small mammals.

Saltmarsh Mosquito

Saltmarsh Mosquitoes are prevalent in coastal regions throughout North America. They breed in salt marshes and other shallow, brackish bodies of water. Female Saltmarsh Mosquitoes lay their eggs on damp soil and mudflats. The adults feed on blood, and their bite can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis. Saltmarsh Mosquitoes are active all year round and can be especially abundant during the summer months. Control measures include the use of insecticides and the elimination of standing water.

San Jose Scale

The San Jose Scale is a tiny, flat, oval-shaped insect that is a major pest on fruit trees such as apples, peaches, and plums. Adult males are winged and look like tiny gnats while the females are wingless and are covered with a gray, waxy coating. They can be found on the trunk, limbs, and fruit of the host tree. The San Jose Scale damages fruit trees by feeding on the sap, which can weaken the plant and cause fruit to drop prematurely. They can be controlled with insecticides, and the removal of infected plant material.

Sand Wireworm

The Sand Wireworm is a beetle larvae that lives in sandy soil. They are yellowish-brown and have a hard exoskeleton, which makes them tough to kill. They are known to feed on a wide range of plants, including cereal crops, vegetables, and fruit trees. Sand Wireworms can cause significant damage to crops by feeding on the roots of the plants, which can stunt their growth and reduce yields. These pests are usually controlled by chemical pesticides, but some farmers use crop rotation or trap crops to reduce their populations.

Sanderson Bumble Bee

The Sanderson Bumble Bee is a native bee species found in the western United States. They are known for their long tongues which allow them to collect nectar from the flowers of deep-throated plants. These bees are black with yellow hairs on their thorax and abdomen. They are important pollinators of wildflowers and crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries. Unfortunately, their populations have declined due to habitat destruction and the use of pesticides, which makes them an important species to protect.

Saratoga Spittlebug

The Saratoga Spittlebug is a common insect found in meadows and fields throughout North America. They are known for the foam-like substance that covers their nymphs, which is created by the spittlebug to protect itself from predators. Adult Saratoga Spittlebugs are black, brown, or yellowish-green and have a triangular shape. They feed on the sap of grasses, clovers, and wildflowers. Although Saratoga Spittlebugs are not typically considered pests, large populations can cause damage to crops and ornamental plants.

Saskatoon Borer

The Saskatoon Borer is a species of beetle that is a significant pest of the Saskatoon berry plant. Adult beetles appear in late May or June and feed on the leaves of the plant. They then burrow into the stem or branches where they mate and lay their eggs. The larvae feed on the inner bark, which can girdle the plant and lead to its death. Saskatoon Borer infestations can be controlled with insecticides or by pruning and removing affected plant material.

Satin Moth

The Satin Moth is a small, nocturnal moth with a wingspan of 25-35mm. They are characterized by their shiny, bronze-colored forewings and narrow, yellow hindwings. The larvae of the Satin Moth feed on the leaves of oak, birch, and beech trees. They are found throughout the United States and Canada. Although the Satin Moth is not known to cause significant damage to trees, high populations can defoliate the host tree and make it more vulnerable to stressors such as drought and disease.

Saunders Embiid

The Saunders Embiid is a small, wingless insect native to Africa. They are known for their unusual body shape, which resembles that of a twig or piece of plant debris. Saunders Embiids live in colonies, creating silk galleries in which they move, and feed on the plant material around them. They are found throughout Southern and Central Africa, and although they can be considered a pest, they are essential components of the local ecosystem, providing food for predators such as birds and small mammals.

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

The Sawtoothed Grain Beetle is a common pest of stored grain products such as wheat, flour, and rice. Adult beetles are small, only 2-3mm long, and are brownish-black with a sawtoothed appearance along the edges of their thorax. They are capable of flight and can move quickly through grain, making them challenging to control. The larvae of the Sawtoothed Grain Beetle are white, slender, and worm-like and will feed on small food debris and grains. Infestations of Sawtoothed Grain Beetles can be prevented by proper storage and handling practices.

Say Stink Bug

The Say Stink Bug is a species of stink bug found throughout North America. Adults have a shield-shaped body and are tan or brown in color with green or bronze metallic areas on their back. They feed on the fluids of plants and crops such as soybeans, corn, and fruit trees. The Say Stink Bug is known for its strong odor, which is released when they are disturbed or crushed. Although they are considered pests by farmers, the Say Stink Bug is an essential part of the ecosystem, providing food for birds and other predators.

Scab Mite

The Scab Mite is a microscopic arachnid that feeds on the skin of many different animals, including dogs, cats, and birds. They are named for the scabby, itchy lesions they cause on their hosts. Scab Mites can be highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with an infected animal. In humans, Scab Mites can cause a condition known as Scabies, which is characterized by intense itching and a rash. Scab Mites can be treated with topical medications, but it is essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Scaly Grain Mite

The Scaly Grain Mite is a tiny, yellowish-brown pest that is commonly found in stored grain products such as wheat, barley, and oats. They are often found in high humidity environments and can reproduce quickly, leading to infestations at grain storage facilities. Scaly Grain Mites feed on the germ, bran, and endosperm of grain, which can cause significant damage and loss of product. Control of Scaly Grain Mites includes proper sanitation and storage techniques as well as the use of insecticides.

Scarlet Oak Sawfly

The Scarlet Oak Sawfly is a species of wasp that is a significant pest on oak trees. The larvae of the Scarlet Oak Sawfly feed on the leaves of the host tree, causing significant defoliation. Adult sawflies are black with red or orange markings, and their wingspan can reach up to 20mm. Scarlet Oak Sawflies are found throughout North America and can be controlled by the use of insecticides or by pruning and removing affected branches.

Schoene Spider Mite

The Schoene Spider Mite is a species of spider mite that feeds on a variety of plants, including roses, azaleas, and conifers. They are typically found on the undersides of leaves and are identified by their grey-green color and bright red spots. Like other spider mites, they are part of the Tetranychidae family and can cause significant damage to plants by feeding on the fluids in the leaves. Control of Schoene Spider Mites includes the use of miticides, beneficial insects, and cultural practices such as pruning and removing affected plant material.

Sculptured Pine Borer

The Sculptured Pine Borer is a large, black beetle with yellow markings that is native to the eastern United States. They feed on branches and the trunks of pine trees, causing significant damage to the host plant. The larvae of the Sculptured Pine Borer develop under the bark of the tree, creating galleries as they grow. Control of Sculptured Pine Borers includes the use of insecticides, proper pruning techniques, and removing affected plant material.

Scurfy Scale

The Scurfy Scale is a species of scale insect that is a significant pest on ornamental and fruit trees. They are identified by their round, flat shape and grayish-white color. Scurfy Scales feed on the sap of the host tree, causing significant damage to fruit production and overall tree health. They are often found on the undersides of leaves and can be controlled with insecticides or by removing affected branches and plant material.

Seedcorn Maggot

The Seedcorn Maggot is a fly larva that feeds on the germinating seeds of crops such as corn, beans, and peas. They are yellowish-white in color and are approximately 6mm long. Seedcorn Maggots can cause significant damage to crops, including reduced germination rates and stunted growth. Control of Seedcorn Maggots includes the use of insecticides, crop rotation, and planting at optimal times to avoid peak population periods.

Sesbania Clown Weevil

This tiny weevil is attracted to the sesbania plant, where it lays its eggs. As the larvae feed, they create distinctive galls on the plant.

Shadow Spongy Moth

The shadow spongy moth is a small, yellowish-brown moth with a distinctive pattern of black spots on its wings. It is found in tropical rainforests, where it feeds on the leaves of various trees.

Sheep Biting Louse

The sheep biting louse is a parasite that feeds on the blood of sheep. It can cause itching, hair loss, and other skin irritations.

Sheep Ked

The sheep ked is a small, wingless insect that lives on the fleece of sheep. It feeds on their blood and can cause skin irritations and infections.

Sheep Scab Mite

The sheep scab mite is a small, oval-shaped mite that burrows into the skin of sheep. It causes intense itching and can lead to scabbing and crusting of the skin.

Shortwinged Mole Cricket

The shortwinged mole cricket is a burrowing insect that is found in gardens and lawns. It feeds on the roots of plants and can cause damage to turfgrass.

Shothole Borer

The shothole borer is a tiny beetle that burrows into trees and shrubs. It can cause damage to the tree’s vascular system, leading to wilting and death.

Sigmoid Fungus Beetle

The sigmoid fungus beetle is a small, long-bodied beetle that feeds on fungi. It is found in forests and other wooded areas.

Silkworm

The silkworm is the larval stage in the life cycle of the silk moth. It is an important insect in the textile industry, as its cocoons are used to produce silk.

Silverfish

The silverfish is a small, wingless insect that is found in homes and other buildings. It feeds on starches and can cause damage to books, paper, and other items.

Silverspotted Skipper

The silverspotted skipper is a butterfly that is found in open fields and meadows. It has distinctive silver spots on its wings.

Silverspotted Tiger Moth

The silverspotted tiger moth is a small, brown moth with distinctive silver spots on its wings. It is found in forests and wooded areas.

Sinuate Peartree Borer

The sinuate peartree borer is a type of longhorn beetle that feeds on the bark of fruit trees, including pear trees. It can cause damage to the tree’s vascular system.

Sixspined Ips

The sixspined ips is a type of bark beetle that is found in forests and wooded areas. It feeds on the bark of trees and can cause damage to the tree’s vascular system.

Sixspotted Mite

The sixspotted mite is a tiny pest that feeds on the leaves of plants. It can cause yellowing of the leaves and can lead to decreased growth and yield in crops.

Slash Pine Seedworm

The slash pine seedworm is a type of moth that feeds on the seeds of pine trees. It is found in forests and other wooded areas.

Slender Duck Louse

The slender duck louse is a type of louse that is found on ducks. It feeds on their blood and can cause skin irritations and infections.

Slender Goose Louse

The slender goose louse is a type of louse that is found on geese. It feeds on their blood and can cause skin irritations and infections.

Slender Guinea Louse

The slender guinea louse is a type of louse that is found on guinea fowl. It feeds on their blood and can cause skin irritations and infections.

Slender Guineapig Louse

The slender guineapig louse is a type of louse that is found on guinea pigs. It feeds on their blood and can cause skin irritations and infections.

Slender Pigeon Louse

The slender pigeon louse is a type of louse that is found on pigeons. It feeds on their blood and can cause skin irritations and infections.

Slender Turkey Louse

The slender turkey louse is a type of louse that is found on turkeys. It feeds on their blood and can cause skin irritations and infections.

Slenderhorned Flour Beetle

The slenderhorned flour beetle is a type of beetle that is found in stored grains and other foods. It feeds on the food and can contaminate it with feces and other waste.

Small Hive Beetle

The small hive beetle is a pest that can cause damage to honeybee hives. It feeds on the honey and can contaminate it with feces and other waste.

Smaller Hawaiian Cutworm

The smaller Hawaiian cutworm is a type of moth that is found in Hawaii. It feeds on the leaves and flowers of various plants.

Smaller Rice Leafminer

The smaller rice leafminer is a pest that feeds on the leaves of rice plants. It can reduce yield and quality of the rice crop.

Smaller Yellow Ant

The smaller yellow ant is a small, yellow ant that is found in gardens and lawns. It feeds on insects and other small organisms.

Smalleyed Flour Beetle

The smalleyed flour beetle is a type of beetle that is found in stored grains and other foods. It feeds on the food and can contaminate it with feces and other waste.

Smartweed Borer

The smartweed borer is a type of beetle that feeds on the stems of various plants, including smartweed. It can cause damage to crops.

Smut Beetle

The smut beetle is a small, black beetle that is found in fields and meadows. It feeds on the spores of various fungi and can help to control fungal infections in plants.

Solanaceous Treehopper

This bug species can easily be distinguished by their colorful appearance and conspicuous, thornlike projection on the thorax, and they can be found feeding on tomato, potato, and other solanaceous plants.

Sonoran Tent Caterpillar

The Sonoran tent caterpillar is native to Western North America. They are social insects that live in silk tents created on tree trunks and feed on the leaves of their host tree.

Sorghum Webworm

The Sorghum webworm is a common pest in the US, especially in the southern states. They can feed on corn or sorghum depending on what is available.

Southeastern Blueberry Bee

The southeastern blueberry bee is a solitary bee that is considered to be an important pollinator for the blueberry crops grown in the southeastern United States.

Southern Armyworm

The Southern armyworm is known for its large appetite and can be a serious crop pest to many crops including corn, cotton, and sorghum.

Southern Cabbageworm

The southern cabbageworm is the larval stage of the white butterfly and is the most common pest of cabbage, collard, and other members of the cabbage family.

Southern Cattle Tick

The southern cattle tick is a major pest of cattle throughout the southern United States, causing economic losses due to reduced production, weight gain, and milk production.

Southern Chinch Bug

The southern chinch bug is a common pest of St. Augustine grass, causing yellow patches to appear on lawns. They can transmit pathogens and cause damage to the turf.

Southern Garden Leafhopper

The Southern garden leafhopper feeds on many varieties of garden plants, including vegetables and herbs. They are generally considered to be a nuisance pest but can cause significant damage in large numbers.

Southern Lyctus Beetle

The Southern lyctus beetle is a common pest of wood furniture, flooring, and structural timber. They are known for their destructive feeding habits and can cause severe damage to wooden structures.

Southern Masked Chafer

The southern masked chafer is a common beetle pest of lawns in the southeastern United States. The larvae cause damage to the turf by feeding on the roots.

Southern Pine Beetle

The southern pine beetle is a major pest of pine trees in the southeastern United States and can cause significant damage to commercial and residential forests.

Southern Pine Coneworm

The southern pine coneworm is a small moth that causes damage to pine cones, leading to reduced seed production. They can be found in pine forests throughout the southeastern United States.

Southern Pine Sawyer

The southern pine sawyer is a type of longhorn beetle that feeds on pine trees, causing significant damage to the trees. They are found throughout the southeastern United States.

Southern Potato Wireworm

The southern potato wireworm is a pest of potatoes in the southeastern United States. They feed on the roots and can cause significant damage to the crop.

Southern Red Mite

Southern red mites are a common pest of fruit trees and can cause significant damage to the fruit and tree itself. They can be found throughout the southeastern United States.

Southern Tamarisk Beetle

The southern tamarisk beetle is a leaf beetle that feeds on the invasive tamarisk plant. They have been successfully introduced to the western United States to manage tamarisk infestations.

Southwestern Corn Borer

The southwestern corn borer is a major pest of corn in the southwestern United States. The larvae feed on the stems and ears of the corn plants, causing significant economic losses.

Southwestern Hercules Beetle

The southwestern Hercules beetle is a large, impressive beetle that is found in the southwestern United States. They feed on the sap of oak trees and are generally considered to be harmless.

Soybean Aphid

The soybean aphid is a significant pest of soybean crops in the United States. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause reduced yields and stunted growth.

Soybean Nodule Fly

The soybean nodule fly is a pest of soybean crops in the southeastern United States. They feed on the roots of the plant and can cause significant damage to the crop.

Spicebush Swallowtail

The spicebush swallowtail is a beautiful, black and green butterfly that is native to the eastern United States. They feed on the nectar of flowers and are particularly attracted to spicebush.

Spider Mite Destroyer

The spider mite destroyer is a type of ladybug that feeds on spider mites, a common pest of many garden plants. They can be found throughout the United States.

Spinach Flea Beetle

The spinach flea beetle is a tiny pest of spinach and other leafy greens. They feed on the leaves of the plants, causing damage and reduced yields.

Spinach Leafminer

The spinach leafminer is a fly that is a pest of spinach and other leafy greens. They lay their eggs on the leaves, and the larvae tunnel through the leaves, causing damage to the plant.

Spined Assassin Bug

The spined assassin bug is a predatory insect that feeds on other insects, including caterpillars and aphids. They can be found throughout the United States and are generally considered to be beneficial.

Spined Stilt Bug

The spined stilt bug is a pest of many garden plants, including tomatoes, peppers, and okra. They feed on the sap of the plants and can cause significant damage to the crop.

Spiny Assassin Bug

The spiny assassin bug is a predatory insect that feeds on other insects, including caterpillars and beetles. They can be found throughout the United States and are generally considered to be beneficial.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of S insects.

Putting together a list of insects was a daunting task, but one I enjoyed immensely. I was fascinated by the incredible variety of insects we have on our planet and spent many hours learning all I could about each one. The end result is a comprehensive and informative guide.

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 S alphabet has been useful to you!