Have you ever noticed insects with blue eyes? No, because I also never imagined that some insects could actually have blue eyes until I met the blue-eyed ensign wasp. The eyes of this wasp are so enchanting that they caught my attention immediately.
These creatures might look simple and ordinary, but their incredible blue eyes hide a secret world of wonder. So let’s explore the little world of these insects and admire them. Here is a list of 10 breathtaking insects with blue eyes.
10 Insects with Blue eyes
1) Blue-eyed ensign wasp
Scientific Name: Evania appendigaster
Size: up to 7 mm long
Identification: Have black body with brilliant blue eyes
The first insect we have on our list of insects with blue eyes is the blue-eyed ensign wasp. These wasps are known for their incredible, brilliant blue eye color.
This Asian-origin species acts as a parasite, especially on cockroach eggs. Females of these species used to penetrate tough cockroach egg cases with their ovipositor and lay eggs in them.
Their size of 7 mm and black body with blue eyes make them stand out in the crowd.
Blue ringtail | Credit: Fir0002 (commons.wikipedia) CC BY-SA 3.0
Scientific name: Austrolestes annulosus
Size: up to 3 cm
Identification: Have blue body with minimal black markings
Blue ringtail, as their name indicates, their body is striking blue with minimal black markings. Both sexes show a striking difference in their appearance.
Females of this species have black and pale coloration. People often mistake them for Coenagrion lyelli or Caliagrion billinghursti.
One can easily find them in Australia near still water sources like ponds, pools, lakes, etc.
Blue-eyed Darner | Credit: Alan Schmierer on Flickr
Scientific name: Aeshna multicolor
Size: 65 to 70 mm
Identification: Their abdomen has a repetitive pattern of small white triangles, red-brown circles, and blue triangles on each segment
The blue-eyed darners are turquoise blue in color with large, vivid blue eyes. Their abdomen has a repetitive pattern of small white triangles, red-brown circles, and blue triangles on each segment.
They are found in North and South America, inhabiting freshwater resources including ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and marshes.
Couples spend a lot of time finding locations to perch and lay eggs.
5) Blue-eyed Cicada
Scientific name: Magicicada cassinii
Size: 24 to 27 mm
Identification: This variant has remarkable blue eyes
Have you ever heard the voices of cicadas? Cicadas are famous for their loud calls during mating season. Let me introduce you to the fascinating blue-eyed cicada.
This blue-eyed variety of Magicicada cassinii is distinguished by its striking blue eyes. These 24 to 27-mm cicadas are endemic to North America.
There was a myth about these blue-eyed cicadas that various biological laboratories, including Vanderbilt University, were offering up to a million dollars as a prize to anyone who delivered them the cicadas, which they cleaned out.
6) Blue Eyes Lacewing
Scientific name: Nymphes myrmeleonides
Size: up to 4 cm
Identification: Have orange body with large blue eyes
You can spot these blue-eyed lacewings in Australia, from New South Wales to Queensland.
These blue-eyed lacewings are called so because of their striking blue eyes.
Their body is slender and can easily attain a length of up to 4 cm. Their wings are longer than their bodies and have a white tip on their wings.
These insects are frequently found in sandy or loose soil conditions, where they may build their distinctive holes for catching prey.
7) Blue ant
Scientific name: Diamma bicolor
Size: up to 25 mm
Identification: Have metallic blue-green body with red legs
You should be familiar with these blue ants since I discussed them in a previous article. These blue ants have a distinctive metallic blue color with red legs.
Apart from their coloration, their eye color is also distinct, which is blue. This South and Southeast Australian endemic species can grow to be up to 25 mm long.
Being a zoology student I’m always been fascinated toward animals especially insects. I love to do research and learn about different animals. As a writer I want to share my thoughts about nature through my articles. Apart from this you can find me exploring the new places and voice notes.