2-syllable Insects that contain M

List of 2-syllable Insects that contain M

1

Cutworm

Agrotis segetum

The soil-dwelling caterpillar larvae of noctuid moths — one of the most destructive garden and agricultural pests, cutting seedlings off at soil level overnight, yet the adult moths are harmless and often beautiful.

2

Glow-worm

Lampyris noctiluca (European); Arachnocampa luminosa (New Zealand)

A bioluminescent insect larva (or wingless adult female of certain beetles) that produces a steady greenish glow to attract prey or mates — including the New Zealand cave-dwelling species that creates one of the world's most spectacular natural light displays.

3

Hawk-Moth

Family Sphingidae (various genera)

The largest moths in the world — powerful fliers with streamlined wings, capable of hovering in front of flowers like hummingbirds while feeding with enormously long tongues; the deaths-head hawk-moth has a skull-pattern on its thorax and squeaks when disturbed.

4

Inchworm

Geometridae (family — many species)

The caterpillar of geometer moths, distinguished by its looping "measure-the-cloth" gait — pulling rear feet up to front feet, then arching forward — and famous in nursery songs.

5

Mantis

Mantis religiosa (European mantis)

A predatory insect with raptorial forelegs held in a "praying" posture, capable of swiveling its triangular head 180° and famous for the female's occasional sexual cannibalism.

6

Mayfly

Ephemeroptera (order)

Aquatic insects with brief winged adult lives — some species live just 24 hours, with massive synchronized emergences sometimes blanketing entire towns and serving as the model for fly fishing imitation flies.

7

Puss Moth

Cerura vinula

A large, furry, pale grey moth whose caterpillar is one of the most extraordinary in Britain — vivid green with a dark saddle, a fierce face-like pattern, and two whip-like tails that it waves when threatened; adults are beautifully marked with grey and cream patterning and are among the most striking moths of woodland edges and riverside willows.

8

Termite

Reticulitermes flavipes (Eastern subterranean termite)

A wood-eating social insect — actually a derived cockroach — that builds elaborate colonies, decomposes vast quantities of plant matter, and causes billions in property damage annually.