Photographs selected by Jeff Campagna

They fly and crawl around us constantly, but we rarely take the time to get a thorough, up-close look at insects. They’re generally unwelcomed, especially in homes and at picnics. They strike fear of arachnophobic proportions in many, but they’re really just living their lives, building complex societies (hello, bees) or trying to catch dinner in their webs.

It’s not their fault their numerous eyes, legs and sometimes venomous bites make us uncomfortable. Maybe it’s time to really appreciate the beauty they bring to our world. Take a look.

2 - Treehoppers, masters of mimicry, camouflage themselves as thorns on branches.
Treehoppers, masters of mimicry, camouflage themselves as thorns on branches. Benjamin Gauthier, Wisconsin, 2023
3 - This juvenile flower mantis changes its coloring to match the surrounding flowers.
This juvenile flower mantis changes its coloring to match the surrounding flowers. Sellers Hill, South Africa, 2023

4 - A striped lynx spider assists in the pollination process of a hibiscus flower.
A striped lynx spider assists in the pollination process of a hibiscus flower.  Sritam Kumar Sethy, India, 2023
5 - This skipper butterfly is using its proboscis as a straw, withdrawing nectar from this pink zinnia.
This skipper butterfly is using its proboscis as a straw, withdrawing nectar from this pink zinnia. Britney Azcona, Virginia, 2018
6 - Mayflies are among the oldest surviving winged insects, having first appeared more than 300 million years ago.
Mayflies are among the oldest surviving winged insects, having first appeared more than 300 million years ago.  Catherine Régnier, France, 2023

7 - Two shield bugs create a mirrorlike image on a blade of grass.
Two shield bugs create a mirrorlike image on a blade of grass. Peter Virag, Australia, 2021
8 - Two ladybugs are captured midair as they tumble off of a leaf.
Two ladybugs are captured midair as they tumble off of a leaf. Lita Kishbaugh, Delaware, 2023
9 - A praying mantis makes a meal out of a bumblebee.
A praying mantis makes a meal out of a bumblebee. Britney Azcona, Virginia, 2018
10 - A leaf serves as a nest for shield bugs protecting a batch of eggs.
A leaf serves as a nest for shield bugs protecting a batch of eggs. Anirban Dutta, India, 2020

11 - Two different insect species, a wasp and a stink bug, share nectar from the same flower.
Two different insect species, a wasp and a stink bug, share nectar from the same flower. Utkarsh Patil, India, 2021
12 - Spittlebugs are nymphs of froghopper insects, which produce a cover of foamed-up plant sap that visually resembles saliva, used for camouflage and insulation.
Spittlebugs are nymphs of froghopper insects, which produce a cover of foamed-up plant sap that visually resembles saliva, used for camouflage and insulation. Manaska Mukhopadhyay, India, 2021
13 - A ladybug larva perches on the edge of the tendril of a pumpkin plant and feeds on its leaves.
A ladybug larva perches on the edge of the tendril of a pumpkin plant and feeds on its leaves.  Sritam Kumar Sethy, India, 2020

14 - When existing as an individual, this insect is known as a grasshopper. When living within a swarm of the same species, they’re referred to as locusts.
When existing as an individual, this insect is known as a grasshopper. When living within a swarm of the same species, they’re referred to as locusts. Ryan Eckstein, Illinois, 2018
15 - The winged lifespan of mayflies is just a few hours, the time it takes to mate.
The winged lifespan of mayflies is just a few hours, the time it takes to mate.  Catherine Régnier, France, 2023

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Jeff Campagna

Jeff Campagna is a photo editor at Smithsonian magazine. You can follow him on Instagram at @jeffcampagna.

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.