Kids Research Express

. Luna Moth The full-grown luna moth has transparent circles bordered by light yellow and blue rings on its light green wings. Luna moths reproduce twice a year and eat the leaves of trees in the deciduous forests they inhabit. Now endangered because of contaminated food sources and pesticides, the luna moth is found only in North America. Peacock Butterfly The conspicuous eyespot markings of the peacock butterfly, Inachis io, make the insect unmistakable. The butterfly uses its patterning in self-defense, opening its wings if threatened by a bird and attempting to alarm the attacker by turning the pattern towards it. The butterfly also rubs its wings together to make a noise that helps scare off predators. Praying Mantis The praying mantis is so named for the prayerlike posture it assumes while waiting for its prey. Although the praying mantis generally eats insects and small tree frogs, the female will devour part of her own mate. Commonly found in tropical and warm temperate climate...

. American Cockroach The American cockroach is one of the hardiest species of cockroaches. Unlike most other cockroach species, the American cockroach can fly and is also attracted to light. Aphids Aphids are small insects found throughout temperate regions of the world. They parasitize a variety of wild and commercially important plants by sucking out plant fluids. Because aphids exude a sweet, sticky fluid that can be used by certain species of ants, herds of aphids are often found guarded and tended by ants. Blue Damselfly After mating, blue damselflies deposit their eggs in water. The eggs hatch and develop into an aquatic larval form, which eventually leaves the water, undergoes metamorphosis, and changes into an adult. Caterpillar The larva of a butterfly or moth, known as a caterpillar, has a plump cylindrical body and chewing mouthparts. Most caterpillars eat leaves or other parts of plants and grow rapidly, shedding their skin several times as they grow. The caterpillar of a d...