Insects That Start With T

Insects are a group of animals that have fascinated and frightened humans since ancient times. These six-legged creatures have been featured in myths, art, and literature for their symbolic and metaphorical meanings. However, they are more than mere symbols or metaphors. Insects are living beings that have their own complex biology and behavior. They possess unique senses, communication systems, and reproductive strategies. They can survive in almost any habitat and outcompete other organisms for resources. They are also threatened by human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Learning about insects can open up a window to the natural world and encourage us to appreciate and respect its diversity.

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.

So, let’s begin exploring this list of insects starting with T!

78 Insects That Start With T

And here’s the list of insects that begin with T letter.

Tahitian Coconut Weevil

The Tahitian Coconut Weevil is a large insect that feeds on coconut trees. The male weevil has a long snout that it uses to bore into the tree trunk to mate with females and to lay eggs. They cause trees to wilt and eventually die. These pests are endemic to Tahiti but have spread through the Pacific islands, causing destruction to coconut plantations. The larvae of the weevil are large and white and feed on the tree trunk and fronds. They can grow up to 8cm long and weigh up to 25g at maturity.

Tamarind Weevil

The Tamarind Weevil is native to South America and feeds on tamarind trees and other legume trees. It has a distinctive elongated body, a snout and dull orange and brown wings. Its larvae are also destructive as they feed on the wood of host trees, causing them to weaken and eventually die. The adult weevil can grow up to 3cm long and feeds on young leaves and shoots of tamarind trees. The weevil can be controlled by using insecticides, removing infected trees, and maintaining good plant health.

Tamarix Leafhopper

The Tamarix Leafhopper is a small insect found throughout North America that feeds on the Tamarix plant. They have large, striking red eyes and wings and can jump great distances when disturbed. Their feeding causes discoloration of the leaves and can cause the plant to suffer from drought stress. Control measures for this leafhopper include physical removal and pesticides.

Tarnished Plant Bug

The Tarnished Plant Bug is a common pest found across North America that feeds on a variety of plants, including fruit trees, vegetables, and ornamentals. Its body is oval-shaped and it has a metallic green-brown color. These bugs can cause discoloration, deformation, and loss of plant tissue. They can also cause stunted growth and reduced yield. Control measures for Tarnished Plant Bugs include the use of insecticides and regular monitoring.

Taro Root Aphid

The Taro Root Aphid is a small insect that feeds on taro plants. It has a pear-shaped body that is usually black. They pierce the leaves and stems of the plant to feed, causing wilting and yellowing of the foliage. In severe infestations, the plant can die. Control measures include the use of insecticides and regular monitoring of plant health.

Tawny Crazy Ant

The Tawny Crazy Ant is an invasive species native to South America. It is named for its erratic and fast movement, often zigzagging in random patterns. They feed on insects, plants, small animals, and household foods, causing damage to ecosystems and homes. Tawny Crazy Ants can even short-circuit electrical equipment, which can cause fires or other electrical problems. Control measures include the use of bait, insecticides, and maintaining good sanitation to reduce their food sources.

Tawny Garden Slug

The Tawny Garden Slug is a common garden pest that feeds on a variety of plants. They have a slimy, worm-like body and are brownish-gray in color. They feed at night, leaving large holes and notches in leaves and flowers. Control measures for Tawny Garden Slugs include the use of baits, traps, and reducing watering to limit their moisture sources.

Tawny Mole Cricket

The Tawny Mole Cricket is a brown cricket with large shovel-like front legs that it uses to burrow into the soil. They feed on worms and other insects and can cause significant damage to turf grass and other plants. Control measures include insecticides and proper lawn maintenance.

Tea Scale

The Tea Scale is a small insect that feeds on tea plants. They have a round or oval-shaped body that is covered with waxy white or yellow scales. They feed on the plant’s sap, causing leaves to yellow and drop off, reducing yield and plant vigor. Control measures include the use of insecticides, pruning infected leaves, and maintaining good plant nutrition and health.

Tea Shothole Borer

The Tea Shothole Borer is a small beetle that feeds on tea plants. Its larvae bore into the wood of the stem and cause damage to the plant’s vascular tissue, leading to wilting and eventual death. The adults are black and less than 2mm in size. Control measures include the use of insecticides, pruning infected branches, and maintaining good plant health.

Tenlined June Beetle

The Tenlined June Beetle is a medium-sized scarab beetle found throughout North America. They have a metallic green body with 10 distinct lines running down their wing covers. Their larvae are white and feed on the roots of grasses, causing significant damage to lawns and pastures. Control measures include the use of insecticides and proper lawn and pasture maintenance.

Tenspotted Lady Beetle

The Tenspotted Lady Beetle is a small ladybug found throughout North America. They have a bright red body with ten spots on their wing covers. They feed on aphids, mites, and other small insects, making them a beneficial insect in gardens and agricultural fields. They can be encouraged to populate an area by not using broad-spectrum insecticides and planting flowering plants as a food source.

Terrapin Scale

The Terrapin Scale is a small insect that feeds on a variety of plants, including ivy, holly, and euonymus. They cover their bodies with white, waxy scales and cause damage to the plant by sucking out the sap. Control measures include the use of insecticides and pruning infected branches.

Tessellated Scale

The Tessellated Scale is a small insect that feeds on citrus trees and other plants. They have a rounded, waxy body that appears gray or white. They feed on the plant’s sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Control measures include the use of insecticides and pruning infected branches.

Texas Citrus Mite

The Texas Citrus Mite is a small mite that feeds on the leaves, fruit, and stems of citrus trees. They are found in the southern United States and Mexico. Their feeding causes discoloration and deformation of the fruit and leaves, reducing yield and plant vigor. Control measures include the use of miticides and maintaining good plant health.

Texas Leafcutting Ant

The Texas Leafcutting Ant is a large, reddish-brown ant that feeds on leaves and other plant material. They can cause significant defoliation of trees and other plants and can even cause structural damage to buildings if they chew through electrical wires or other materials. Control measures include the use of bait and insecticides, as well as proper sanitation measures to reduce their food sources.

Thief Ant

The Thief Ant is a small, light-colored ant known for stealing food from other ant colonies. They invade other ant nests and steal their food and brood, making them a nuisance in homes and outdoor areas. Control measures include the use of baits and insecticides, as well as maintaining good sanitation.

Thirteenspotted Lady Beetle

The Thirteenspotted Lady Beetle is a small ladybug found throughout North America. They have a bright yellow or orange body with 13 spots on their wing covers. They feed on aphids, mites, and other small insects, making them a beneficial insect in gardens and agricultural fields. They can be encouraged to populate an area by not using broad-spectrum insecticides and planting flowering plants as a food source.

Thistle Aphid

The Thistle Aphid is a small insect that feeds on thistle plants. They have a pear-shaped, soft body that can be green, brown, or black. They feed on the plant’s sap, stunting growth and causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Control measures include the use of insecticides and pruning infected branches.

Thread Bug

This tiny black and red bug earns its name from its long thread-like legs and body, making it easy to stay hidden in grass and other vegetation.

Three-lined Cockroach

Named after the distinctive three stripes on its thorax, this reddish-brown cockroach is a common household pest that can be found in warm, humid environments.

Threebanded Leafhopper

This hopping insect is easily recognized by its three bright green bands running lengthwise down its wings, and is known for spreading plant diseases as it feeds.

Threecornered Alfalfa Hopper

With its distinctive triangular shape and varying shades of green, brown, and yellow, this hopper can cause significant damage to alfalfa crops by piercing plant tissues to feed.

Threelined Leafroller

This small caterpillar is named for its habit of rolling up and webbing together leaves on plants like strawberries and grapevines, and can cause extensive damage to crops if left unchecked.

Threelined Potato Beetle

Also known as the Colorado potato beetle, this yellow and black striped insect can cause significant damage to potato crops by feeding on leaves, and has developed resistance to many common insecticides.

Threespotted Flea Beetle

This tiny black beetle jumps like a flea when disturbed, and is known for causing extensive damage to vegetable crops by feeding on leaves and stems.

Threestriped Blister Beetle

Named for the three black stripes running down its back, this beetle produces a toxin called cantharidin that causes painful blisters when it comes into contact with human skin or is ingested by animals.

Threestriped Lady Beetle

Not your typical ladybug, this small beetle is black with three yellow stripes on its thorax, and feeds on other insects such as aphids and mites.

Throat Bot Fly

This fly lays its eggs in the nostrils of horses and other ungulates, where the larvae then migrate to the throat and feed on secretions and blood.

Thurberia Weevil

Named for the Thurberia cactus on which it feeds, this small black weevil can cause significant damage to the cactus plant over time.

Tilehorned Prionus

This large brown beetle has unique horn-like protrusions on its thorax, and typically feeds on tree roots and bark.

Tipdwarf Mite

Also known as the tomato russet mite, this tiny mite feeds on the underside of leaves and can cause extensive damage to tomatoes and other vegetable plants.

Toad Bug

Despite its name, this insect is not actually a toad but rather a tiny brown bug with a distinctive warty texture on its body.

Tobacco Aphid

This small green aphid feeds on the sap of tobacco plants and can cause significant yield loss if left unchecked.

Tobacco Budworm

This moth caterpillar can cause extensive damage to tobacco plants by feeding on buds and flowers, leading to reduced yield and quality.

Tobacco Flea Beetle

Named for its jumping ability, this small black beetle feeds on the leaves of tobacco plants and can cause extensive damage to crops if left unchecked.

Tobacco Hornworm

This large green caterpillar with distinctive white stripes is a common pest of tobacco plants, feeding on leaves and causing extensive damage to crops.

Tobacco Moth

This small brown moth can infest stored tobacco products and cause damage by laying eggs and creating webbing around the material.

Tobacco Stalk Borer

This moth caterpillar feeds on the inner stalk of tobacco plants, causing significant damage and reduced yields.

Tobacco Thrips

These tiny insects with fringed wings feed on the leaves of tobacco plants, and can cause stunted growth and reduced yields if left unchecked.

Tobacco Wireworm

The tobacco wireworm is the larvae of a click beetle, and can cause significant damage to tobacco plants by feeding on the roots.

Tomato Bug

Also called the tomato fruit worm, this moth caterpillar feeds on the fruit of tomato plants and can cause significant damage to crops.

Tomato Hornworm

This large green caterpillar with distinctive white stripes is a common pest of tomato plants, feeding on leaves and causing extensive damage to crops.

Tomato Pinworm

This small grayish-brown moth lays its eggs in tomato fruit, and the resulting larvae feed on the insides, causing significant damage to crops.

Tomato Russet Mite

Also known as the tipdwarf mite, this tiny mite feeds on the underside of leaves and can cause extensive damage to tomatoes and other vegetable plants.

Toothed Flea Beetle

This small black beetle with distinctive toothed edges on its elytra feeds on the leaves of various plants and can cause significant damage to crops.

Torpedo Bug

This small black and white bug earns its name from its torpedo-like shape, and feeds on the sap of plants like sunflowers and soybeans.

Torsalo

Also known as the human botfly, this insect deposits its eggs on mosquitoes or other biting insects, and the resulting larvae burrow into human skin and feed on tissues.

Transparentwinged Plant Bug

This small green or brown bug with distinctive transparent wings feeds on a variety of plant tissues, and can cause significant damage to crops if populations are high.

Transverse Lady Beetle

These spotted beetles are excellent predators, feeding on aphids, mites, and other small insects. They are known for their distinctive pattern of white and black stripes across their elytra.

Trefoil Plant Bug

These small, green bugs are often found on legume plants, such as alfalfa and clover. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on sap from the plant, but are not typically considered a major pest.

Trefoil Seed Chalcid

This tiny wasp is a parasite of the trefoil plant bug, laying its eggs inside the eggs of the bug. The wasp larva then feeds on the developing bug larva, eventually killing it.

Tricolored Bumble Bee

These large, fuzzy bees are common in North America and are important pollinators for many plants, including tomatoes and blueberries. They are named for their distinctive coloring of black, yellow, and white.

Tropical Bed Bug

This parasitic insect feeds on the blood of humans and other animals, and is often found in bedding or furniture. They are known for their ability to hitchhike on travelers and spread to new locations.

Tropical Fire Ant

These aggressive ants are known for their painful sting, and are found throughout tropical regions of the world. They are social insects, living in colonies that can number in the millions.

Tropical Fowl Mite

These tiny mites are common pests of chickens and other birds, feeding on their blood and causing stress and health problems. They can also bite humans if bird populations are not controlled.

Tropical Horse Tick

This large tick is a parasite of horses and other livestock, feeding on their blood and causing a range of health issues. They are also known to spread diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Tropical Nut Borer

These insects are major pests of nut crops, such as macadamia and coconut. The larvae feed on the nuts, causing damage and reducing yields.

Tropical Rat Louse

These parasitic lice are commonly found on rats, feeding on their blood and causing irritation and health problems. They can also bite humans who come into contact with infected rats.

Tropical Rat Mite

These tiny mites are often associated with rats, but can also be found on other mammals such as mice and dogs. They can bite humans and cause skin irritation and other health problems.

Tropical Sod Webworm

These caterpillars are major pests of turf grass, feeding on the blades and causing damage that can be difficult to control. They are typically active at night and can be difficult to detect.

Tuber Flea Beetle

These small beetles are found on potato plants and other tuberous crops, feeding on the foliage and causing damage that can reduce yields. They are often controlled with insecticides.

Tule Beetle

This dark-colored beetle is native to wetland areas of North America, and feeds on aquatic plants and decaying organic matter. They are not typically considered pests.

Tulip Bulb Aphid

These small aphids feed on the bulbs of tulips and other plants, causing damage and reducing yields. They are typically controlled with insecticides or by removing infested bulbs.

Tuliptree Aphid

These small green aphids are found on tulip poplar trees, feeding on the sap and causing damage to leaves and branches. They are often controlled with natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.

Tuliptree Scale

These small insects are found on tulip poplar trees, and can cause damage to leaves and branches. They are often controlled with insecticides or by natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.

Tumid Spider Mite

These small mites are pests of many plants, feeding on the underside of leaves and causing damage that can be difficult to detect. They are often controlled with insecticides or by natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.

Tupelo Leafminer

These small moths lay their eggs on the leaves of tupelo trees, and the resulting larvae feed on the leaves, causing damage and reducing growth. They are typically controlled with insecticides.

Turkestan Cockroach

This species of cockroach is a major pest in many parts of the world, including urban areas of the United States. They are known for their resilience and ability to survive in a variety of environments.

Turkey Chigger

These tiny mites are often found in grassy areas and can bite humans, causing skin irritation and other health problems. They are typically controlled with insecticides or by avoiding infested areas.

Turkey Gnat

Also known as black flies, these small biting insects are often found near streams and other bodies of water. They can be a nuisance to humans and animals, and can transmit diseases such as river blindness.

Turnip Aphid

These small aphids are common pests of turnips and other cruciferous vegetables, feeding on the plants and causing damage that can reduce yields. They can be controlled with insecticides or by removing infested plants.

Turnip Maggot

These small white maggots are pests of turnips and other cruciferous vegetables, feeding on the roots and causing damage that can reduce yields. They are often controlled with insecticides or by crop rotation.

Turpentine Borer

These large beetles are found in pine trees, where the larvae bore into the wood and cause damage that can weaken the tree. They are often controlled with insecticides or by removing infested trees.

Twicestabbed Lady Beetle

These small beetles are important predators of aphids and other small insects, and are often used as a biological control agent in agricultural settings. They are known for their distinctive shape and coloring.

Twig Girdler

These small beetles girdle twigs on trees, causing them to break and fall to the ground. The larvae then feed on the twigs, causing further damage. They are often controlled with insecticides or by removing infested trees.

Twig Pruner

These small moths lay their eggs on tree branches, and the resulting larvae feed on the branches, causing damage and reducing growth. They are typically controlled with insecticides.

Twinspotted Budworm

These small caterpillars are found on a variety of plants, including roses and geraniums. They feed on the buds and can cause significant damage to the plant if left unchecked. They are typically controlled with insecticides.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of T insects.

I compiled a list of insects by consulting various sources and cross-checking information to ensure accuracy. It was a lot of work, but I’m happy with how it turned out. The list covers a wide range of insects, from the tiniest to the largest.

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 T alphabet has been useful to you!