Insects - Insects

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Insects are the most diverse group of animals on the planet. Scientists estimate that there are 4 to 6 million species in existence and discover approximately 10,000 new ones every year. As invertebrates, insects have an exoskeleton instead of an internal structure. They undergo either complete or incomplete metamorphosis, undergoing radical changes in appearance between egg and adult.

	Cicadas Seventeen year cicadas are the longest-lived insects in North America.
	European Mantid Better known as the Praying mantis, this european invader has spread rapidly across North America
	Hines Emerald Dragonfly One of the rarest species of dragonfly in the United States.
	Karner Blue Butterfly The karner blue is a tiny butterfly that needs protection. The Conservancy is working to preserve its habitat.
	Katydid The Katydid family, known in Europe as bush crickets, includes more than 6,800 distinct species.
	Monarch Butterfly The migratory habits of the monarch mean that habitat must be preserve for it in several countries.
	Prairie Mole Cricket This unusual insect uses its specially adapted front legs to burrow beneath the sandy soils of the prairie.
	Regal Fritillary Butterfly The regal fritillary is found in tall-grass prairies and wet grassy areas in the central United States.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom): Photo © Rhett Stansbury (Cicadas); Photo © Anita Huszti (European Mantid); Photo © Katty Kirk (Hines Emerald Dragonfly); Photo © Bill Daunis (Kramer Blue Butterfly); Photo © Dave Brenner (Katydid); Photo © Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, United States (Monarch Butterfly); Photo © Robert and Linda Mitchell (Prairie Mole Cricket); Photo © Mark Godfrey (Regal Fritillary Butterfly);