GEETHA IYER-Frontline

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Image 9 - Eucentrobolus maindroni - A spirobolid bulldozer from Southern Western ghats

Mulch munchers: How millipedes contribute to conservation

Millipedes, which are “looked down upon”, contribute to conservation by breaking down wood and leaves and increasing soil mineralisation. They also ca

Mulch munchers

Millipedes, which are “looked down upon”, contribute to conservation by breaking down wood and leaves and increasing soil mineralisation. They also ca

The remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Deep Discoverer images a newly discovered hydrothermal vent.

The wonders of the deep seas

Before we think about exploiting the deep seas for their mineral wealth, it is essential that we understand the unique and fragile ecosystems of these

Ecosystems of the deep seas

Before we think about exploiting the deep seas for their mineral wealth, it is essential that we understand the unique and fragile ecosystems of these

It's all ears

How do insects hear? Loud and clear, with ears that can be in any part of their body—abdomen, wings, mouth and even tongue—adapted to escape predators

Geetha Iyer ,Photographs by Geetha Iyer

Coffee locust, Aularches sp. Locusts have ears in their abdomen.

Like vertebrates, insects too have ears to hear

How do insects hear? Loud and clear, with ears that can be in any part of their body—abdomen, wings, mouth and even tongue—adapted to escape predators

Geetha Iyer ,Photographs by Geetha Iyer

All about true bugs

True bugs, of the order Hemiptera, have for too long been seen as pests. It is time to set the record straight.

A froghopper. Froghoppers get their names because of their ability to jump quite high.

It’s a bug’s life

True bugs, of the order Hemiptera, have for too long been seen as pests. It is time to set the record straight.

The largest known leaf hopper, Dorthula hardwickii. It is 28 mm long including the 12-mm long abdominal appendage.-PARAG GIRI

Fungus farmers

Insects began farming 40 to 60 million years before humans did.

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHS BY GEETHA IYER

The adult and nymph (right) of the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), one of the four cockroach species that are pests.-PHOTOGRAPHS: GEETHA IYER

Pesky pests

Flies, cockroaches and mosquitoes feature high on the list of creatures that humans wish they could banish from the earth.

Bees and beetles

Asian, African and Australian Aborigine myths and folklore, unlike European ones, are generally filled with reverence for insects.

A katydid. The insect got its name because its call sounds as if it is saying 'katy-did'.-

Insect talk

Insects communicate to fulfil their physiological needs as do all living beings on the earth, including humans.

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