1. Creepy, Crawly Critters
By: Audrey Harmon

2. There are over 1.5 million kinds of insects.

3. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small and round.

4. Some are long and thin.

5. Some hop and chirp.

6. Some have long legs, while others have short legs.

7. But all insects have three main parts: head, thorax, and abdomen
But all insects have three main parts: head, thorax, and abdomen. Insects also have six legs.

8. Insects carry pollen from flower to flower
Insects carry pollen from flower to flower. This helps flowers bloom and plants make the fruits and vegetables that we eat.

9. Bugs help farmers either by pollinating the plants or by eating the bugs that harm the farmers’ crops. These are called beneficial insects.

10. Both Thomas Jefferson and George Washington maintained insectaries where various crops were nurtured to attract beneficial insects for protection of crops.

11. Ladybugs are beneficial insects
Ladybugs are beneficial insects. They are good to have in gardens because they eat many harmful insects. There are male and female ladybugs.

12. Some insects will sting you. You should stay away from them!!

13. Don’t kill them, though, because they might be beneficial, too!

14. The honeybee is a very beneficial insect
The honeybee is a very beneficial insect. They carry pollen from plant to plant and then carry pollen to the beehive. There the bees make wax and honey.

15. Other insects are pests. Grasshoppers are pests
Other insects are pests. Grasshoppers are pests. They attack farmers crops and do a great deal of damage.

16. Locusts also destroy farmers crops
Locusts also destroy farmers crops. Have you ever seen a locust shell on a tree? Have you ever heard a locust?

17. Flies are not only pests for people, but also for animals
Flies are not only pests for people, but also for animals. Farmers treat their animals to help keep flies off.