List of recently extinct insects facts for kids

Insects are tiny creatures that play a huge role in our world, from pollinating plants to breaking down waste. But sadly, many insect species have disappeared forever, meaning they are extinct. Others are possibly extinct, which means we haven't seen them in a long time and worry they might be gone. Some are extinct in the wild, meaning they only survive in places like zoos or special breeding programs.

As of July 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed 58 insect species as extinct. They also listed 46 species that are possibly extinct and one species that is extinct in the wild. Learning about these lost insects helps us understand how important it is to protect the ones that are still here.

Insects That Have Disappeared

Caddisflies

Caddisflies are small, moth-like insects. Their young, called larvae, live in water and often build protective cases around themselves from tiny stones or plant bits.

Extinct Caddisfly Species

Mayflies

Mayflies are ancient insects known for their very short adult lives, often lasting only a day or two. They spend most of their lives as nymphs in fresh water.

Extinct Mayfly Species

• Pecatonica river mayfly (Acanthametropus pecatonica)
• Robust burrowing mayfly (Pentagenia robusta)

Flies

Flies are a large group of insects with only two wings. They include everything from tiny midges to large horseflies.

Extinct Fly Species

Earwigs

Earwigs are insects known for the pincers at the end of their bodies. They are often found in damp, dark places.

Extinct Earwig Species

• Saint Helena earwig (Labidura herculeana)

Stoneflies

Stoneflies are insects that live near clean, flowing water. Their young, called nymphs, are an important food source for fish.

Extinct Stonefly Species

• Robert's stonefly (Alloperla roberti)

True Bugs

This group includes many different insects like cicadas, aphids, and shield bugs. They all have a special mouthpart for piercing and sucking.

Extinct True Bug Species

• Clavicoccus erinaceus
• Phyllococcus oahuensis

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a very old group of insects. They are known for being very adaptable and can live in many different environments.

Extinct Cockroach Species

• Margatteoidea amoena

Possibly Extinct Cockroach Species

Stick Insects

Stick insects are masters of camouflage, looking just like twigs or leaves to hide from predators.

Extinct Stick Insect Species

• Ridley's stick insect (Pseudobactricia ridleyi)

Grasshoppers and Crickets

This group includes grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids. Many are known for the sounds they make by rubbing their legs or wings together.

Extinct Grasshopper and Cricket Species

Possibly Extinct Grasshopper and Cricket Species

Extinct in the Wild Grasshopper and Cricket Species

• Oahu deceptor bush cricket (Leptogryllus deceptor)

Ants, Bees, and Wasps

This group includes many social insects like ants and bees, as well as solitary wasps. They are very important for pollinating plants.

Possibly Extinct Ant, Bee, and Wasp Species

Mantises

Mantises are known for their unique front legs, which they hold in a "praying" position and use to catch other insects.

Possibly Extinct Mantis Species

• Spined dwarf mantis (Ameles fasciipennis)

Moths and Butterflies

Lepidoptera is the order that includes both moths and butterflies. They are famous for their colorful wings and for undergoing metamorphosis from caterpillar to adult.

Extinct Moth and Butterfly Species

Possibly Extinct Moth and Butterfly Species

• Pieris wollastoni

Beetles

Beetles are the largest group of insects, with hard wing covers that protect their delicate flying wings. They live in almost every habitat on Earth.

Extinct Beetle Species

Possibly Extinct Beetle Species

• Xylotrechus gemellus
• Zamodes obscurus

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Odonata includes dragonflies and damselflies, which are known for their large eyes, strong wings, and their ability to catch other insects in flight.

Extinct Dragonfly and Damselfly Species

• Maui upland damselfly (Megalagrion jugorum)

Possibly Extinct Dragonfly and Damselfly Species

See also

• List of least concern insects
• List of near threatened insects
• List of vulnerable insects
• List of endangered insects
• List of critically endangered insects
• List of data deficient insects