daddy longlegs - Sikkim Insect

 

Daddy longlegs, which belong to the Opiliones Order are creatures known for their appearance. Despite their name they are not spiders. These fascinating creatures have a body structure that sets them apart, from arachnids – a fused body segment.

Daddy longlegs have a body and four pairs of slender legs. Unlike spiders they don't have venom glands or silk producing structures. Their diet consists mainly of decaying matter, insects and plant materials as they play an important role in ecosystems by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient recycling. Importantly daddy longlegs pose no threat, to humans as they lack venom or fangs.

Anlion larva - Sikkim Insect

10.10.22 : Sakyong Chisopani JHS

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum:         Arthropoda

Class:         Insecta

Order: Neuroptera

Family:         Myrmeleontidae

Genus:         

Species:         

Binomial name:

 

Other Names: Doodlebug, Antlion

 

Epidaus famulus (Assassin Bug) - Sikkim Insect

 

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Animalia

Phylum:          Arthropoda

Class:              Insecta

Order:            Hemiptera (bugs)

Family:           Reduviidae

Genus:            Epidaus

Species:          E. famulus

 

Binomial name: Epidaus famulus (Stål, 1863)

Other Names:  Assassin Bug

Flat headed leaf hopper (Cicadellidae Ledrinae) - Sikkim Insect

 

Sand pit home of an antlion

 

Ropalidia marginata (Paper Wasp) - Sikkim Wasp

The Paper Wasp, or Ropalidia marginata, belongs to the genus Ropalidia and is part of the order Hymenoptera. This order also includes insects like bees, ants, and traditional wasps. is native to parts of South Asia and is primarily found in countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Within India, it is especially common in the northeastern regions, including Sikkim, where the warm, humid climate provides ideal conditions for these wasps to thrive.

These wasps prefer forested areas, gardens, and human settlements, where they can easily find materials for building their nests and food sources. The nests are often found hanging from tree branches, under eaves of houses, or in shrubs, showcasing their adaptability to natural and urban environments.

The Paper Wasp is known for its social behaviour, living in colonies that can consist of many individuals, making them a common sight in their habitats. Their presence is crucial for the ecosystem, as they help control pest populations and contribute to pollination.

Scolopendra subspinipes ( Red Headed Centipede) - Sikkim Insect

Scolopendra subspinipes ( Red Headed Centipede)

Place : Shantinagar, Singtam, East Sikkim,

Date: May 28, 2012
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Animalia

Phylum:          Arthropoda

Class:              Chilopoda

Order:            Scolopendromorpha

Family:           Scolopendridae

Genus:            Scolopendra

Species:           S. subspinipes

Binomial name: Scolopendra subspinipes Leach, 1815

Other Names:  Chinese Red Head, Giant Centipede, Jungle Centipede, Orange Legged Centipede, Red Headed Centipede and Vietnamese Centipede.

Special feature: It is among the largest centipedes with a maximum length of 20 cm.

Bites from this species are very painful and may cause severe swelling, weakness or fever. S. subspinipes is the only species of centipede that is reputed to have a human death attributed to it. The reported fatal case was in Philippines in which the centipede bit a seven-year old girl on her head and she lived for another 29 hours. (Source: Wikipedia)

Coridius chinensis (Stink Bug) - Sikkim Insect

Coridius chinensis (Stink Bug)

Place : Dalapchand, Rongli, East Sikkim,

Date: January 2, 2012
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Animalia

Phylum:          Arthropoda

Class:              Insecta

Order:            Hemiptera (bugs)

Family:           Dinidoridae

Genus:            Coridius

Species:          C. chinensis

Binomial name: Coridius chinensis (Dallas, 1851).

Other Names:  Stink Bug

Special feature: "Coridius chinensis (Dallas) is eaten by one or more Assamese tribes." (Hoffmann, 1947).

"This species is very commonly used in China in an aphrodisiacal medicine and is on sale in Chinese medicine shops throughout China.  It is called 'Chu Shan Chung' or 'Hai Tao Chung' and was written about in 1590 by Li Shih chen and in 1890 by Fang Shui." (Hoffmann, 1947). (Source: ndsu.nodak.edu)

'Leaf Insect' or the 'Walking Leaf' - Sikkim Insect

'Leaf Insect' or the 'Walking Leaf'

Venue: Dentam, West Sikkim

Date 27.01.2011