The most varied group of living things on Earth are insects. It’s not surprising that some of the more than a million species that have been named—and counting—have come up with some strange insect names. When it comes to naming these organisms, scientists are creative—or perhaps have a terrible sense of humor. Welcome to the world of odd insect names that are as unique as the animals themselves, from beetles named after famous people to bugs whose names sound like spells from a fantasy book.
1. The Prociphilus tessellatus, or boogie-woogie aphid
This is a real name, yes. Similar to a little flash mob of insects performing the boogie, the Boogie-Woogie Aphid derives its name from the rhythmic, coordinated wagging that its colony does when it is disturbed.
2. Theraphosa blondi, the Goliath birdeater
Although technically a spider, it is too crazy to be excluded from this list. The Goliath birdeater is the size of a dinner plate and sounds like a villain from a horror film, despite the fact that it doesn’t typically eat birds.
3. The Nydyeria fulva, or Hairy Crazy Ant
The Hairy Crazy Ant is a personality as well as a name. These ants have small hairs and are swift and erratic. In the southern United States, they even outcompete fire ants. You wouldn’t expect anything less with a name like this.
4. Wormlion (Vermileonidae family)
The wormlion is the larval form of an insect that resembles a little worm yet behaves like an antlion, not to be confused with a Pokémon. Its name sounds like it was lifted straight out of a wizard’s spellbook.
5. The Assassin Bug (Reduviidae Family)
Although it seems like a character from Marvel, this actual bug kills its victim by sucking out its insides and injecting digestive acids. Cruel, efficient, and utterly terrifying.
6. The Fairyfly (Mymaridae family)
Some are smaller than 0.5 mm long, making them some of the tiniest insects on the planet. Small, enchanted, and perplexing.
7. Paracanthus cuspidatus, often known as the Spiny Devil Katydid
With its vicious spikes, devil horns, and ominous moniker, the Spiny Devil Katydid looks like something from a fantasy book. This beetle, which resembles a little armored tank, is found in Central and South America.
8. Calyptra spp., the vampire moth
Moths typically drink nectar. The Moth of the Vampire? It consumes blood. This species’ males have developed the ability to penetrate flesh and consume blood from animals and even humans. The name is ideal.
9. The Bruchus pisorum pea weevil
Despite its reputation as a gentle vegetable eater, the pea weevil is a notorious pest of legumes. This weevil causes significant harm to agriculture, despite its moniker being more “adorable” than scary.
10. The Grylloblattidae family of ice crawlers
This bug crawls on snow-covered rocks and glaciers in frigid climates. Its chosen habitat reflects that intensity, and its name sounds like a beast from Game of Thrones.
11. Bactocera rufomaculata, the Squeaking Longhorn Beetle
When handled, this insect does, in fact, squeak, as its name suggests. It is one of the more unusual insects due to its long antennae and peculiar voice.
12. Zombie Ant (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis) Fungus Victim
Alright, this is more of a circumstance than a name. An ant’s body is taken over by a parasitic fungus, which then makes it climb and perish in the ideal location for fungal growth. Horrible—and oddly poetic.
13. Zonocerus elegans, or the Elegant Grasshopper
An insect whose name sounds like that of a Parisian runway model. Its beautiful beauty and vibrant markings make it easy to understand where the word “elegant” originated.
14. Sphedanolestes cingulatus, often known as the Sparkling Assassin
Another murderer with a fashionable twist. In addition to using a lethal beak to stab prey, the Sparkling Assassin also looks amazing while doing it. Function meets style.
15. The two-spotted Perillus bioculatus stink bug
While “stink bug” is amusing enough, the addition of “two-spotted” makes it sound like a Saturday morning cartoon detective. Unfortunately, the smell is real.
16. Deinacrida spp., or giant weta
There are species that weigh more than a sparrow, and their names are just as frightening as their looks.
17. Eurymeloides pulchra, the Funky Monkey Leafhopper
This Australian insect takes home the title of most danceable moniker. It is a leafhopper that truly embodies the term “funky” due to its vibrant pattern and jerky movement.
18. Triatoma spp., the kissing bug
A romantic name? Not at all. When people sleep, these insects “kiss” them close to the lips. It has the ability to spread Chagas disease. Adorable name, fatal result.
19. Phyllodes imperialis, the pink underwing moth
Although it seems like a makeup shade, it really refers to a real moth that has a brilliant pink underside and a camouflage upper side. Beautiful and elusive, it can be found throughout Australia.
Why Do Insects Have Such Odd Names?
Unusual bug names frequently originate from
Entomologists enjoy using wordplay in their scientific writing.
Physical attributes: a lot of names reflect strange appearances
Behavior: Some names, such as “Assassin” or “Kissing” bugs, describe the actions of the insect.
Fairies, vampires, and devils all appear in myth and folklore.
Amusing Insect Names That Seem Fictional (But Aren’t)
(Gnathia hefnerei) Hugh Hefner Beetle
Pieza kake, a species of actual fly
Scaptia beyonceae, the Beyoncé horsefly
Say “Eubetia bigaulae” aloud.
A wasp, aha ha!
Those are legitimate scientific names, yes. Entomologists enjoy themselves.
Strange Insects That Influence Popular Culture
Numerous odd insects serve as inspiration for Pokémon, artwork, and films. Strange insect names give pop culture creatures flair and individuality, whether they are insect types or horror monsters.
How Names Are Selected by Entomologists
There is a great deal of latitude in naming species according to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). Scientists can (and do) be rather inventive as long as the name is Latinized and distinctive.
The devil’s coach horse beetle is an honorable mention.
(Chrysobothris femorata) Wattle Pig
(Myrmeleontidae) Antlion
Melolontha melolontha cockchafer
The Sarcophagidae family of flies
In conclusion, bugs and their names are both strange.
According to the Boogie-Woogie, these insects, which range from aphids to vampire moths, demonstrate how amazing and absurd nature is, much like humans. The world of strange insects and amusing bug names is full of surprises, information, and a good dose of humor, regardless of whether you’re an insect lover or just like a good chuckle.
Just bring up the zombie ant fungus or the kissing bug the next time someone complains that bugs are uninteresting, and observe how their expression changes.
