Insects of India

Note: The following list includes insects of India that have been spotted and identified by Nature’s Book across different parts of India. It is based on our field observations and photographic records and is not intended to represent a complete list of all insect species found in the country. Disclaimer: Species identifications are based on Nature’s Book’s current knowledge and may evolve. See full disclaimer.

Butterflies

Butterflies are insects (Order Lepidoptera, along with moths and skippers). They are generally brightly colored with striking patterns. Butterflies are major pollinators of flowering plants and are active during the day. They have club-tipped antennae and typically holds the wings vertically over the back (folded) when at rest.

We are not lepidopterists, but passionate nature observers who document butterflies out of love and curiosity—and to help spread awareness about their beauty and ecological importance. Listed: 06

lemon pansy
Lemon Pansy
Common Jezebel Nashik
Common Jezebel
Pale Grass Blue
Pale Grass Blue
Common Rose 1
Common Rose
Plain Tiger 1
Plain Tiger
Plain Tiger underside 1
Plain Tiger – underside
Common Baron Pune
Common Baron
1. Lemon Pansy2. Common Jezebel
3. Pale Grass Blue4. Common Rose
5. Plain Tiger6. Common Baron

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Dragonflies are insects (Order Odonata, Suborder Anisoptera). Odonata is an order of predatory flying insects that includes the Dragonflies and Damselflies.

Dragonflies have huge bulging eyes (approaches 360-degree view) and a long body with two narrow pairs of intricately veined, membranous wings that are generally transparent with colored markings. Dragonflies are among the fastest insects known and are voracious aerial predators of flying insects such as mosquitoes and flies. They are commonly found near freshwater habitats. Damselflies are usually slenderer with eyes placed apart and wings folded together along body at rest. Listed: 08

Blue tailed Yellow Skimmer
Blue-tailed Yellow Skimmer
Common Picture wing Male
Common Picture-wing – Male
Common Picture wing Female
Common Picture-wing – Female
Common Hook tail Scarlet Skimmer
Common Hook-tail + Scarlet Skimmer
Ditch Jewel Male
Ditch Jewel – Male
Ditch Jewel Female
Ditch Jewel – Female
Trumpet Tail Male
Trumpet Tail – Male
Trumpet Tail Female
Trumpet Tail – Female
Crimson Marsh Glider
Crimson Marsh Glider
Ground Skimmer pair
Ground Skimmer
1. Blue-tailed Yellow Skimmer2. Common Picture-wing
3. Common Hook-tail4. Scarlet Skimmer
5. Ditch Jewel6. Trumpet Tail
7. Crimson Marsh Glider8. Ground Skimmer

Other Insects – Wasp, Bugs, Mantis.

Listed: 03

Yellow Oriental Paper Wasp
Yellow Oriental Paper Wasp
Yellow Oriental Paper Wasp
Yellow Oriental Paper Wasp
Red Cotton Stainer
Red Cotton Stainer
European Mantis or Praying Mantis
European Mantis (Praying Mantis)
1. Yellow Oriental Paper Wasp2. Red Cotton Stainer
3. European Mantis (Praying Mantis)