Newsletters  |  Buy Print
Sections
Features
Essentials
Print Edition
Current IssuePast Issues

More stories by this author

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

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
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 'TRACE FOSSIL' of Rhyniognatha hirsti.-COURTESY: KNECHT ET AL.

Down to earth

Insects' story is one of constant adaptation; among living beings they probably have the best relationship with this planet.
TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHS BY GEETHA IYER
Sign in to Unlock member-only benefits!
  • Bookmark stories to read later.
  • Comment on stories to start conversations.
  • Subscribe to our newsletters.
  • Get notified about discounts and offers to our products.
Sign in