Insects That Start With W

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.

Creating a list of insects was a challenging task, but one that I was determined to tackle. I spent countless hours researching and reading about different insect species, and in the end, came up with a comprehensive guide. From creepy crawlies to colorful butterflies, my list has it all.

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

78 Insects That Start With W

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

W-marked Cutworm

The W-marked cutworm is a type of caterpillar that is known for its distinctive W-shaped markings on its back. This species is primarily found in agricultural areas, where it feeds on a variety of crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton. The W-marked cutworm is considered a pest, as it can cause significant damage to crops if left unchecked.

Walnut Aphid

The walnut aphid is a small, pear-shaped insect that feeds on the sap of walnut trees. These insects are generally green in color, and can be found on the undersides of leaves and branches. Infestations of walnut aphids can weaken walnut trees, stunt growth, and reduce crop yield. To control these pests, growers often use insecticidal sprays or predator insects such as ladybugs.

Walnut Blister Mite

The walnut blister mite is a microscopic pest that feeds on the leaves of walnut trees. These mites cause blister-like galls to form on the leaves, which can deform and stunt the growth of the tree. The walnut blister mite is a common pest in California, and can be controlled through insecticidal sprays or by removing infected leaves and pruning back affected branches.

Walnut Caterpillar

The walnut caterpillar is a hairy, brown caterpillar that is known for its voracious appetite. These caterpillars feed on the leaves of walnut trees, and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. In general, it is best to control walnut caterpillar infestations through physical removal or the use of insecticidal sprays.

Walnut Husk Fly

The walnut husk fly is a type of fruit fly that primarily attacks walnuts. Adult females lay their eggs on the husks of walnuts, and the larvae feed on the nut meat inside. Infested nuts are often discolored and have a bitter taste. To control walnut husk fly infestations, growers often wrap the developing nuts in paper bags to protect them from egg laying females.

Walnut Scale

The walnut scale is a small, oval-shaped insect that feeds on the sap of walnut trees. These insects are often found on the undersides of leaves and on the bark of branches. Walnut scale infestations can cause tree decline, reduced crop yield, and yellowing of leaves. Growers often use insecticidal sprays or predator insects such as ladybugs to control walnut scale populations.

Walnut Shoot Moth

The walnut shoot moth is a type of moth that feeds on the growing shoots of walnut trees. These insects can cause significant damage by stunting the growth of young trees and causing dieback of older specimens. To control populations of walnut shoot moths, growers often use pheromone traps or insecticidal sprays.

Walnut Sphinx

The walnut sphinx is a large, green caterpillar that is commonly found on walnut trees. These insects feed on the leaves of the tree and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. To control populations of walnut sphinx caterpillars, growers often use physical removal or insecticidal sprays.

Walnut Twig Beetle

The walnut twig beetle is a small, dark-brown beetle that attacks the bark of walnut branches and causes a fatal disease known as thousand cankers disease. This disease can kill mature walnut trees within a few years of initial infection. To control the spread of thousand cankers disease, it is important to avoid moving infected wood and to prune out infected branches.

Wardrobe Beetle

The wardrobe beetle, also known as the common carpet beetle, is a type of small beetle that is often found in homes. These insects feed on a variety of materials, including wool, silk, and feathers. Infestations can often be controlled through proper storage of clothing and regular vacuuming.

Warehouse Beetle

The warehouse beetle is a type of small, dark beetle that is often found in warehouses and food storage facilities. These insects feed on a variety of materials, including grains, seeds, and dried fruit. Infestations can be controlled through proper sanitation practices and the use of insecticidal treatments.

Warty Grain Mite

The warty grain mite is a small, brown mite that feeds on stored grain. These insects are often found in silos and grain elevators, where they can cause significant damage to stored crops. Infestations can be controlled through proper storage techniques and the use of insecticidal treatments.

Watercress Leaf Beetle

The watercress leaf beetle is a type of small, green beetle that is often found in aquatic habitats. These insects feed on the leaves of watercress plants, and can cause significant damage to commercial crops. To control watercress leaf beetle populations, growers often use insecticidal treatments targeted specifically at beetles.

Watercress Sharpshooter

The watercress sharpshooter is a type of leafhopper that feeds on the sap of watercress plants. These insects are generally green or brown in color, and can be found on the undersides of leaves. Watercress sharpshooter infestations can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To control populations, growers often use insecticidal sprays or predator insects such as ladybugs.

Watercress Sowbug

The watercress sowbug is a type of small, gray crustacean that is often found in aquatic habitats. These insects feed on decaying plant material and can help break down organic matter in the water. While they are not considered harmful to crops, large populations of watercress sowbugs can impact water quality.

Waterlily Aphid

The waterlily aphid is a small, yellow-green insect that feeds on the sap of waterlily plants. These insects are often found on the undersides of leaves and can cause significant damage to plants if left unchecked. To control waterlily aphid populations, growers often use insecticidal sprays or predator insects such as ladybugs.

Waterlily Leaf Beetle

The waterlily leaf beetle is a type of small, black beetle that feeds on the leaves of waterlily plants. These insects can cause significant damage to commercial crops if left unchecked. To control waterlily leaf beetle infestations, growers often use insecticidal sprays specifically targeted at beetles.

Waterlily Leafcutter

The waterlily leafcutter is a type of small, black fly that feeds on the leaves of waterlily plants. These insects cut semi-circular leaf notches, which can weaken the plant and reduce crop yield. To control populations of waterlily leafcutters, growers often use insecticidal sprays or predator insects such as ladybugs.

Webbing Clothes Moth

The webbing clothes moth is a type of small moth that feeds on natural fibers such as wool, silk, and fur. These insects are often found in closets and storage areas, where they can damage clothing and other materials. Infestations can be controlled through proper storage techniques and the use of pheromone traps or insecticidal treatments.

Webbing Coneworm

This pest can cause serious damage to plants, as the larvae weave webs around twigs and buds, killing them off over time.

Wekiu Bug

Found in Hawaii, these small insects are known for their distinctive red coloring and are often found in groups on the undersides of leaves.

West Indian Flatid

Also known as the “banana leafhopper,” this insect feeds on the sap from banana plants and can cause significant damage to crops.

Western Bat Bug

While they look similar to bed bugs, these bugs typically feed on bats and will occasionally bite humans.

Western Bean Cutworm

A common pest of beans and corn, the larvae of this moth burrow into the plants and feed on the kernels.

Western Bigeyed Bug

These beneficial insects can often be found in gardens, feeding on aphids and other pests.

Western Blackheaded Budworm

The larvae of this moth feed on the buds of certain conifers, potentially causing significant damage to the tree.

Western Blacklegged Tick

One of the most common ticks found in the western United States, this species is known to transmit several diseases to humans and pets.

Western Bloodsucking Conenose

Also known as the “kissing bug,” this insect feeds on blood and can transmit diseases to humans, pets, and wildlife.

Western Boxelder Bug

These bugs are often considered a nuisance pest, as they can invade homes in large numbers during the fall and winter months.

Western Cedar Borer

This longhorn beetle feeds on the bark and wood of cedar trees and can cause significant damage to the tree over time.

Western Chicken Flea

While they’re primarily known for feeding on chickens, these fleas can also bite humans and other animals.

Western Chinch Bug

A common pest of lawns and crops, the chinch bug feeds on the sap of grasses and can cause significant damage over time.

Western Cicada Killer

These large wasps are actually beneficial to have around, as they help control populations of cicadas and other insects.

Western Conifer-seed Bug

This distinctive-looking bug feeds on the seeds of conifer trees and can sometimes be found in homes during the fall and winter months.

Western Corn Rootworm

The larvae of this beetle feed on the roots of corn plants, potentially causing significant damage to the crop.

Western Damsel Bug

These predatory bugs are commonly found in gardens, where they help control populations of other insects.

Western Dobsonfly

While the males of this species have large, intimidating mandibles, they’re actually harmless to humans and feed on nectar.

Western Drywood Termite

A common pest of homes and wooden structures in the western United States, these termites can cause significant damage over time.

Western Field Wireworm

The larvae of this beetle feed on the roots of crops like corn, potatoes, and sugar beets, potentially causing significant damage to the plants.

Western Flower Thrips

Feeding on the petals and leaves of flowers, these tiny pests can cause significant damage to ornamental flowers and other plants.

Western Grape Leafhopper

A common pest of grape vines, this insect feeds on the sap of the plant and can transmit diseases to the leaves and fruit.

Western Grape Rootworm

The larvae of this beetle feed on the roots of grape vines, potentially causing significant damage to the crop.

Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer

Also known as the “california grape moth,” this pest feeds on the leaves of grape vines and can cause significant defoliation.

Western Harvester Ant

These large ants are typically found in arid regions of the western United States and are known for their aggressive behavior.

Western Hemlock Looper

The larvae of this moth feed on the needles of hemlock trees and can cause significant defoliation over time.

Western Lawn Moth

A common pest of lawns in the western United States, the larvae of this moth feed on the roots of grasses, potentially causing significant damage.

Western Lily Aphid

Feeding on the leaves and stems of lilies and other ornamental plants, these pests can cause significant damage to the plants over time.

Western Oak Looper

The larvae of this moth can cause significant damage to oak trees, as they feed on the leaves and can strip them bare.

Western Pine Beetle

These small beetles are a major pest of pine trees in the western United States and can cause significant damage to forested areas.

Western Pine Budworm

The Western Pine Budworm is a common pest of pine trees, causing severe defoliation and often leading to tree mortality.

Western Plant Bug

The Western Plant Bug feeds on a wide range of plants, sucking out sap and causing leaves to wilt and deform.

Western Poplar Clearwing

The Western Poplar Clearwing is a distinctive moth with clear wings, often found near poplar trees.

Western Potato Leafhopper

The Western Potato Leafhopper is a small, green insect that can cause significant damage to potato and tomato crops.

Western Predatory Mite

The Western Predatory Mite is a tiny arachnid that feeds on other mites and is used as a biological control agent in agriculture.

Western Pygmy Blue

The Western Pygmy Blue is one of the smallest butterflies in North America, with a wingspan of less than an inch.

Western Spruce Budworm

The Western Spruce Budworm is a common pest of spruce and fir trees, causing defoliation and reduced growth.

Western Subterranean Termite

The Western Subterranean Termite is a destructive pest that feeds on wood and can cause significant damage to structures.

Western Tent Caterpillar

The Western Tent Caterpillar is a common pest of deciduous trees, spinning dense webs and defoliating branches.

Western Thatching Ant

The Western Thatching Ant is a species of ant that builds large nests out of grass and other plant materials.

Western Tiger Swallowtail

The Western Tiger Swallowtail is a large, colorful butterfly found throughout the western United States.

Western Treehole Mosquito

The Western Treehole Mosquito is a small mosquito that breeds in small pools of standing water in tree holes.

Western Tussock Moth

The Western Tussock Moth is a hairy caterpillar that feeds on a wide variety of trees and shrubs.

Western W-marked Cutworm

The Western W-marked Cutworm is a type of caterpillar that feeds on a variety of crops, causing significant damage.

Western Wheat Aphid

The Western Wheat Aphid is a pest of wheat crops, sucking sap from the plants and reducing growth.

Western Yellowjacket

The Western Yellowjacket is a type of wasp that builds large, underground nests and can be aggressive when disturbed.

Western Yellowstriped Armyworm

The Western Yellowstriped Armyworm is a type of caterpillar that feeds on a variety of crops, including corn and soybeans.

Wharf Borer

The Wharf Borer is a type of marine borer that can cause significant damage to wooden structures in the ocean.

Wheat Curl Mite

The Wheat Curl Mite is a small, pale mite that feeds on wheat crops, causing significant damage.

Wheat Head Armyworm

The Wheat Head Armyworm is a type of caterpillar that feeds on the grain heads of wheat plants, reducing yield and quality.

Wheat Jointworm

The Wheat Jointworm is a type of weevil that feeds on the stems of wheat plants, causing significant damage.

Wheat Midge

The Wheat Midge is a pest of wheat crops, causing significant damage to the developing grain.

Wheat Stem Maggot

The Wheat Stem Maggot is a type of fly that feeds on the stems of wheat plants, causing the plants to wilt and die.

Wheat Stem Sawfly

The Wheat Stem Sawfly is a type of insect that feeds on the stems of wheat plants, causing significant damage.

Wheat Strawworm

The Wheat Strawworm is a pest of wheat crops, feeding on the stems and leaves and causing reduced yield.

Wheat Wireworm

The Wheat Wireworm is a type of insect that feeds on the roots of wheat plants, causing reduced growth and yield.

Wheel Bug

The Wheel Bug is a large, predatory insect that feeds on a variety of other insects, using its sharp beak to inject venom.

White Apple Leafhopper

The White Apple Leafhopper is a pest of apple and pear trees, feeding on the sap and causing yellowing and curling of the leaves.

White Cutworm

The White Cutworm is a type of caterpillar that feeds on a variety of crops, causing significant damage to young plants.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of W insects.

I poured my heart and soul into creating a list of insects that was both comprehensive and informative. I read countless articles, consulted with experts, and cross-checked my information to ensure accuracy. The result is a detailed guide that anyone can use as a reference.

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 W alphabet has been useful to you!