What’s the most common form of wildlife you’re likely to see in Big Bend National Park?
Ask many people that question, and you’ll probably hear answers like “javelinas” or “turkey vultures.” But while 75 species of mammals and 450 species of birds have been seen in the park, over 3,600 species of insects have been found here! The identification of a new species of beetle just a few years ago in the Chisos Mountains tells us that countless more unknown insects may still await discovery. Insects make up more than half of all living things on Earth, comprising over one million species. They outnumber humans by 200 million to one: for every human, there are 200 million insects. This figure does not include non-insect arthropods, such as spiders and scorpions. Observing insects, in the park or at home, will open up a whole new world of dimensions, color, form, activity, and beauty. You’ll find insects living in flowers, wood, earth, fabric, hair, blood, flesh, water, and dung. You’ll find them eating these same things, as well as grain, fungi, microbes, glue, spiders, and each
