Creepy crawlies, minibeasts, bugs, insects, invertebrates. So many names are used to describe the life forms that live in and around the under growth. Minibeasts is favored by schools especially pre-school and primary. Insects is not a true term as the word insect means 'cut into' and refers to only those with six legs. Spiders have eight legs and are Arachnids, Millipedes with their many legs are Myriapods and so the list goes on. All of which are actually are members of the Arthropod phylum, the biggest animal group on the planet. Invertebrate means a life form without a back bone and therefore includes creatures such as crabs and lobsters who are Crustaceans and also Arthropods. That leaves us with creepy crawlies, (not keen on that as it sends out entirely the wrong message) and bugs. Bugs is a well rounded word. It does not do anyone an injustice and actually has a rather friendly feel to it, partially thanks to the film Bugs Life. What name do I use? Well I tend to refer to my collection as invertebrates or inverts for slang. It is slightly more scientific than bugs and also it embraces a wider range of creatures. I am certainly not adverse to using the words bugs or minibeasts, but I definitely do draw the line at creepy crawlies or critters!!
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A Shield Bug. The perfect name - a bug with a body that is shaped like a shield.
Who said Entomology was complicated? |
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| Shield Bug nymphs hatching. |
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