We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 5 Incredible Insects of Ukraine. It was certainly our great pleasure to gather the various information for you. May it serve to provide you with both education and increased awareness.
Certainly, these few species listed herein represent only a very small portion of the similar marvels found in this area of the globe. It’s our belief, though, that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders that exist. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.
Mediterranean Mantis
Mediterranean Mantis Facts
- Starting off this article about these 5 Incredible Insects of Ukraine we present to you the remarkable invertebrate known as the Mediterranean Mantis.
- This fabulous creation of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by the informative common name that we’ve used herein. The insect also has a less often used general name, though. That’s the similar, but less accurate, term of the iris mantis.
- Scientific professionals, such as researchers, however, typically refer to it by yet another name. That’s because they generally use its technical name when discussing it. The intriguing Arthropod bears the comparatively simple technical name of the Iris oratoria.
- It further shares a distinction in that regard with numerous other species. That’s due to the fact that the eminent Swedish zoologist, Carl Linnaeus, made the first official acknowledgement of it as a separate and distinct species. This he did in the year 1758.
- Regardless of which name one chooses to employ, however, it remains a fascinating creature. Sadly, though, it’s now become regarded as as invasive species insome parts of the world. This occurs due to its expansion into non-native regions by man’s actions.
- Even without this controversial expansion of its range, the Mediterranean Mantis seems to be maintaining a population base that’s both sizeable and sufficient. The IUCN, therefore, lists it as Least Concern. This status appears on the organization’s Red List.
- The insect nevertheless faces several potential threats to its continued survival. In this, though, it follows countless other species. Its greatest threats clearly include habitat loss due to the expansion of man, and the ongoing effects of climate change.
Mediterranean Mantis Physical Description
In general overall terms, the marvelous Mediterranean Mantis achieves the same general body shape and appearance as other mantids. That’s not to say, though, that the species lacks any defining physical characteristics. It stands out from others in its own way.
That distinction doesn’t occur in terms of physical size, however. That’s true since it ranks as a roughly average-sized member of its Order. It also displays the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism, like its relatives. In its case, however, this trademark remains quite minor.
The gender-based difference mainly appears in the size of the abdomen of the genders. More specifically, that of the female tends to be slightly larger. The difference further becomes more pronounced as the individual ages. Otherwise, they appear roughly identical.
Individual specimens achieve an average body length of approximately 2.6 in (6.5 cm). Although exceptional individuals naturally occur, even these rarely exceed this by much. Like most mantids, its body develops as highly elongated, and colors adapt as camouflage.
When young, most examples of the Mediterranean Mantis also display an overall pale shade. As these mature, though, this pattern changes to a primary background of grass-like green. In yet another minor gender-based difference, the wings of the female remain short.
But this marvel of Nature clearly distinguishes itself from others of its kind, especially those sharing its range, in one quite spectacular manner. When unfurled, the hindwings display a startling pattern. That’s the presence of a violet-brown eyespot on each of them.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Mantodea
- Family: Eremiaphilidae
- Genus: Iris
- Species: I. oratoria
Mediterranean Mantis Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Fortunately, both for the Mediterranean Mantis itself, and those of us who appreciate Nature, the Arthropod possesses a comparatively extensive natural range. That range, has, however, been indirectly further extended, and significantly so, by the actions of man.
The fascinating insect evolved originally as native to most of the continent of Europe. That area covers all of the southern portion of the continent, and extends to cover all but the most northerly sections. It does seem to be more common in the south, though.
The very name of the invertebrate stems from the portion of Europe in which the first studies of it occurred. That’s because those earliest endeavors to understand it took place in the region of the Mediterranean Sea. This include such locations as Greece and Italy.
From there, however, man spread it to other parts of the world. This includes portions of Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, in North America. In all areas, though, it’s highly versatile in its habitat choice. It appears wherever sufficient vegetation occurs.
That holds true due to its nature. That’s because, like other mantises, it evolved as a pure carnivore. The beautiful Mediterranean Mantis typically feeds as a highly efficient ambush predator. It also consumes virtually any prey of small enough size for it to handle.
Its own predators, meanwhile, are few. These mostly consist of various species of birds. When threatened, though, it displays an evolved response. It faces the threat, rears up, and then raises and waves its forelegs threateningly. It also displays the large eyespots.
Red-Tailed Bumblebee
Red-Tailed Bumblebee Facts
- Next up in this compilation of 5 Incredible Insecits of Ukraine comes the colorful creature best known as the Red-Tailed Bumblebee.
- This beautiful insect quite understandably goes by the simple common name due to its nature and appearance. Its scientific name, meanwhile, remains much more difficult to pronounce. That’s because it’s the known to scientists as Bombus lapidarius.
- Regardless of the term one uses for it, however, it’s a lovely and fascinating member of the Bombus Genus. It’s also a locally important species. The first official recognition of the remarkable invertebrate, furthermore, occurred in the year 1758.
- This acknowledgement of it as a separate species took place as a result of the efforts of an individual well known in the annals of entomology. More specifically, the renowned Swedish botanist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus made the original identification.
- Most fortunately, the amazing Red-Tailed Bumblebee appears to be maintaining a sizeable and stable population base. Moreover, this tendency further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its natural habitat range. That’s a rarity today.
- The IUCN therefore presently has no listing for it on the organizations Red List of Threatened Species. That fortunate status nonetheless remains at some risk, however. This holds true due to various factors, many of them shared by countless other species.
- For one, it does appear to be declining in numbers in some agricultural areas. Due to this, it’s now considered Near Threatened in specific portions of its range. Its greatest potential threat, though, undoubtedly consists of the ongoing threat of climate change.
Red-Tailed Bumblebee Physical Description
The gorgeous Red-Tailed Bumblebee, in fact, bears a striking resemblance to yet another variety of bumblebee sharing its range. This fact frequently makes identifying the correct species difficult for any but the most highly trained and experienced observer.
The fabulous arthropod also displays a moderately strong degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In its particular case, this characteristic manifests itself in terms of both color and size. Males of the species tend to be slightly smaller than females.
It further displays this gender-based difference in terms of patterns of color. More precisely, however, the males of this awesome insect present three bands of yellow, one at the base of the abdomen, and two on the thorax. It additionally has the standard red tail
Females of the insect, including the queen usually present a slightly different appearance. Firstly, these lack any of the yellow bands. Secondly, this gender of the invertebrate displays a more extensive red-colored section, covering roughly half the abdomen.
Males of the Red-Tailed Bumblebee attain an average overall body length of between 0.55-0.63 in (14-16 mm). The females, meanwhile, develop in a slightly greater size range. These average between 0.43-0.63 in (11-16 mm) in length. Both have an average-sized proboscis.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Apidae
- Genus: Bombus
- Species: B. lapidarius
Red-Tailed Bumblebee Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
There’s very fortunate news for those who appreciate the beauty of Nature. That’s due to the fact that the Red-Tailed Bumblebee evolved as native to a relatively broad swathe of the world. More specifically, it remains native to a particular portion of the continent of Europe.
With further precision, in this region population concentrations appear throughout the entire region. The creature does, however, appear in greater concentrations in certain areas. These include the countries of Greece, Britain, Sweden, Finland, and Germany.
Sadly though, in Ireland its numbers seem to be declining rapidly. Wherever the insect lives, however, it proves itself to be highly adaptable in terms of where it makes its home. That’s because population groupings manifest in several different habitat types.
These locations even include such public regions as gardens and parks. It most commonly chooses to live in areas consisting of very open terrain. Unlike some varieties of related species, though, it generally avoids living in areas of moderate to heavy forestation.
The Red-Tailed Bumblebee makes its appearance in the summer, between June and August. Being social insects, like many Hymenoptera, all members of the hive work together. In its case, there’s little hierarchy among workers, just between them and the queen.
Most types of bumblebees generally stay close to their hive when foraging. This one, however, tends to roam relatively great distances in search of food. Some individuals, in fact, venture as much as 5,741 ft (1,750 m) from the hive. For its kind, that’s a long distance.
The hives themselves, meanwhile, appear in various types of locations. In this it’s an opportunistic species. Locations for nests include such unexpected areas as under large stones or fallen logs. Colonies remains small, though, rarely exceeding 200-300 individuals.
Scarce Swallowtail
Scarce Swallowtail Facts
- Our next choice for inclusion in this gathering of 5 Incredible Insects of Ukraine is the stunningly beautiful work of art named the Scarce Swallowtail.
- This gorgeous variety of Lepidoptera is most frequently known by the deceptive common name across its entire range. The insect does have a few other, less often used titles, though. They include the terms sail swallowtail and pear-tree swallowtail.
- Inside of scientific conversations, however, it’s likely better known by its technical title. Unfortunately, that’s an extremely difficult appellation for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because this natural marvel holds the formal moniker of Iphiclides podalirius.
- The invertebrate received that tongue-twisting official title due to the efforts of the esteemed Swedish zoologist, Carl Linnaeus. He recorded the first formal recognition of the creature as a separate and distinct species. This deed occurred in 1758.
- In addition to its pure visual appeal, it also stands out for another reason. That’s true since entomologists currently recognize four distinct subspecies of the marvel of evolution. Many of these share the same habitat range, often creating confusion.
- Pleasantly, despite the name, the Scarce Swallowtail appears to be maintaing an stable and sufficient population base. That fortunate situation further seems to hold true throughout its entire range. The IUCN, therefore, currently lists it as Least Concern.
- The colorful work of Nature nevertheless faces several potential threats to its existence, at least. In this, it follows the pattern shared by many species. Many of its dangers stem from the actions of humans. They include habitat loss and ongoing climate change.
Scarce Swallowtail Physical Description
The fabulous Scarce Swallowtail entrances most individuals fortunate enough to spot one. Unlike some of its many relatives, though, it does so for several reasons. Its sheer beauty obviously qualifies as one. Yet it also captures the attention due to its sheer physical size.
That’s due to the fact that the Arthropod ranks as an above-average size butterfly. Like many such species, it also displays a certain amount of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, that trait manifests itself in terms of those measurements.
More precisely, females attain a greater average wingspan than their male counterparts. The difference remains quite minor, though. As a result of this tendency, distinguishing the genders by visual means only can be extremely difficult for the untrained observer.
The males attain an average width of wing equaling roughly 2.4 – 3.1 in (6 – 8 cm). Females, meanwhile, typically grow to approximately 2.4 – 3.5 in (6 – 9 cm). Exceptional specimens do occur, of course, regardless of gender. But even these rarely do so by very much.
In terms of appearance, the sexes of the Scarce Swallowtail appear identical. The overall background coloring varies between a pale yellow and a creamy white. On the upper and lower sides of the front wings, six black stripes and wedge-shaped markings appear.
Both sides of the hindwings, however, show a different pattern. These display two back stripes, and blue crescent-shaped markings on the outer edges. An oblong, orange shaded spot also appears on the back corner of each. A relatively long tail completes the display.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Papilionidae
- Genus: Iphiclides
- Species: I. podalirius
Scarce Swallowtail Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The gorgeous Scarce Swallowtail evolved as native to an impressively broad swathe of the globe. The extent and location of that territory might surprise you, though. That’s because the lovely butterfly developed as endemic to large portions of both Europe and Asia.
The insect inhabits basically all of Europe, with the exception of the more northerly lattitudes. From there, however, its range extends eastward across Asia Minor and the South Caucaus region. It even appears as far as the Arabian Peninsula, India, and western China.
Fortunately, Nature blessed the beautiful Arthropod with a reasonable degree of adaptability in terms of its choice of habitat. All of them do, though, appear in regions possessed of a temperate climate. Within those areas, however, it makes its home in a variety of locations.
In general, it prefers the foothills and lower regions. Some individuals nevertheless do dwell at altitudes of up to 6,562 ft (2,000 m). Environments it lives in include such diverse types as hedgerows, scrubland, orchards, bushes, and even human gardens in cities.
Like many of its relatives, the adult Scarce Swallowtail only lives for about one month. Depending on the region, anywhere from 1 – 3 generations appear per year. Most commonly, though, the adults of the Lepidoptera fly between the months of March to October.
During their comparatively short life, the adults feed on the nectar of various locally abundant plants. They do show a preference for blackthorn, however. The caterpillar stage, though, mainly feeds on the foliage of various fruit trees, and a few types of shrubs.
European Mantis
European Mantis Facts
- Now appearing in this compendium of 5 Incredible Insects of Ukraine is the next mantid on the list, the aptly-named European Mantis.
- Intriguingly, the term applied to it serves as one of the common names of a particularly large variety of the amazing mantis. However, this extremely fascinating insect also goes by the other frequently used common name of the praying mantis.
- It’s perhaps also of interest that many people often employ the latter term for all types of mantises, regardless of origin. Meanwhile, the scientific name of this extremely impressive creature remains the relatively simple to pronounce Mantis religiosa.
- Regardless of which term used to refer to it, this species, like most of its relatives, often fascinates many people. In point of fact, quite often, this species represents the archetype of all mantises, in the minds of individuals, when polled on the topic.
- Intriguingly, although not endemic to North America, this remarkable arthropod eventually became introduced into the region. Although no proof exists, many experts believe this introduction occurred accidentally, via shipping containers.
- It’s also believed that this introduction, whether it was accidental or otherwise, occurred near the end of the 19th century. Regardless of how it occurred though, it has now spread incredibly. This has had a beneficial result for it.
- Quite fortunately, the incredible European Mantis appears to be maintaining a sufficiently stable population. This further appears to be true throughout the majority of its range. This places it in the small group of species to make that claim.
- The IUCN,therefore, presently lists it as Least Concern. This status appears on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species. Like many species, this animal nevertheless may be considered to be at risk, due to the effects of climate change.
European Mantis Physical Description
Although not the largest of all known mantids, the gorgeous European Mantis nevertheless stands out from the crows. In point of fact, it does rank among the larger varieties. However, differences in physical sizes quite frequently occur among individuals.
But, this holds true due to a remarkably common trait. That’s the fact that this species, like most related creatures, displays a certain physiological tendency. This holds true since it shows a moderate degree of the characteristic of sexual dimorphism.
In this variety, the females attain a greater length and weight than the male. Firstly, the female achieves a length averaging between 2.75 – 3.5 in (7 – 9 cm). Secondly, in addition to a thinner shape, the male only reaches an average length of 2.4 – 2.75 in (6 – 7 cm).
The coloring of the European Mantis also varies among individuals. Gender plays no apparent role in this pattern, however. The shades displayed by individuals also differ. The basic pattern consists of shades of brown, green, and yellow. But, a few display a dark black.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Mantodea
- Family: Mantidae
- Genus: Mantis
- Species: M. religiosa
European Mantis Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Although the stunning European Mantis, as the name indicates, originated in southern Europe, in now inhabits a broad swathe of the world. In addition to areas in which it was introduced, the arthropod also spread naturally to several other regions of the globe.
Due to that spreading, it now naturally inhabits much of the continents of Africa and Asia. Man also introduced it to the continent of Australia. Fortunately for it, therefore, this invertebrate displays a remarkable degree of adaptability in regards to its choice of habitat.
That holds since it inhabits a wide range of ecosystems. These include such locations as temperate and tropical forests, urban areas, and even semi-arid regions. It does, however, prefer the area it appears in to have sufficient quantities of grass and herbaceous plants.
Not surprisingly, one reason for this preference occurs due to the need for a sufficient and steady food supply. The European Mantis evolved as a powerful, carnivorous insect. The invertebrate also hunts its prey as a highly effective ambush predator.
This prey typically consists of several types of insects. These include such creatures as grasshoppers, crickets, moths, bees, and flies. Individuals of this species nonetheless also occasionally tackle significantly larger prey, such as smaller invertebrates.
Tree Bumblebee
Tree Bumblebee Facts
- Closing out this listing of these 5 Incredible Insects of Ukraine comes the distinctive work of evolution named the Tree Bumblebee.
- This small yet beautiful Arthropod is most typically referred to by this most unusual common name across the entirety of its native range. The insect does have at least one other general title, though. That’s the interesting term of new garden bumblebee.
- Inside of the scientific community, however, the creature perhaps more frequently goes by yet another tag. Fortunately, that’s a relatively simple one for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because it holds the technical moniker Bombus hypnorum.
- The invertebrate received that specific designation due to the efforts of Carl Linnaeus. The eminent Swedish researcher accomplished the first recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. He managed that scientifically noteworthy deed in 1758.
- It’s possibly most well known among entomologists due to one evolutionary pattern. The small animal generally chooses to inhabit regions that others of its kind avoid. The bumblebee thus fills an environmental niche that would otherwise be void.
- Fortunately, the amazing Tree Bumblebee appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. That pleasant state also seems to hold true throughut its territory. The IUCN therefore presently lists it as Least Concern on its Red List.
- The wonder of Nature nevertheless still faces several potential threats to its continued existence as a species. In this, it’s simply following a pattern common to all life on this planet. It’s now facing the perils posed by habitat loss and ongoing climate change.
Tree Bumblebee Physical Description
The remarkable Tree Bumblebee typically draws attention from those fortunate enough to notice one in the wild. Like most of its kindred around the world, however, it usually does so for its appearance more than for size. Yet, in this manner, it distinguishes itself well.
As with virtually all bees, it displays a different type of the physiological characteristic known as sexual dimorphism. The species evolved as divided into three castes. Queens develop as larger than either males or workers. In fact, the difference is often quite noticeable.
The mighty queens of each colony achieve the greatest dimensions, by far. This varies, sometimes greatly, among individuals, though. But, overall, these average a total body length of approximately 0.63 – 0.87 in (1.6 – 2.2 cm). Though rare, some examples exceed even this.
Members of the worker class, however, remain much smaller. Individuals of this class only reach mean lengths measuring about 0.4 – 0.47 in (1.0 – 1.2 cm). Males, meanwhile, vary in size, but generally achieve dimensions slightly greater than that of the workers.
Other differences serve to further distinguish the castes of the Tree Bumblebee. The males, for one, display a chunkier shape than the others. Queens and drones, however, typically have sharper ends to their abdomens, as well as somewhat shorter antennae.
Yet, it’s the coloring of this insect that most catches the eye. The thorax of the species presents a covering of hair with a gorgeous ginger shade. Its abdomen, though, displays black hair. But, that on the tail manifests a dazzling white hue, making for an amazing contrast.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Apidae
- Genus: Bombus
- Species: B. hypnorum
Tree Bumblebee Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The visually appealing Tree Bumblebee evolved as native to a relatively large expanse of the surface of the earth. The full extent of that zone of habitation, in fact, might surprise some people. That’s true since it developed as endemic to most of Europe and northern Asia.
In Europe, the biological wonder natively inhabits only the continental regions. That natural territorial range additionally reaches as far north as northern France. Elsewhere, though, the creature developed natively as far east as the Kamchatka Peninsula, in Russia.
The awesome invertebrate displays decidedly unique preferences regarding where it chooses to live. These all lie within temperate climates, to be certain, however. Yet, within such conditions, the bumblebee makes its home in a range of truly surprising locations.
It most frequently appears in forests, usually deciduous one’s. In those regions where trees don’t appear in abundance, though, it seeks out an unusual alternative. In such settings, it resides in human residences! There, it makes its nest in almost any available hole it can find.
Workers of the amazing Tree Bumblebee forage for pollen and nectar. Once acquired, they return with this to the nest. Intriguingly, the species seems to be especially attracted to plants with downward-facing blooms, like comfrey. Yet, it also visits other plants as well.
It’s generally observed between the months of March and July, but sometimes does remain active longer. Individuals are also extremely active, moving rapidly from plant to plant. Nest size varies, of course, but rarely exceeds more than a few hundred individuals.
5 Incredible Insects of Ukraine
We sincerely hope that each of you thoroughly enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 5 Incredible Insects of Ukraine. It’s also our fervent hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.
Unfortunately, however, many other species located around the world presently find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must therefore do all we can to protect and preserve them all.
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