Insects in Spanish: A quick vocab guide
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More infoInsects, often overlooked, play a crucial role in our planet’s ecosystems. From pollinating plants to decomposing organic matter, their presence is fundamental in maintaining nature’s balance. If you are a nature lover, knowing the names of many common insects in Spanish will come in handy when exploring the wild!
The word for insects in Spanish is los insectos, although you can also say los bichos if you want to say bugs in Spanish. For the squeamish who think of them as pests, the Spanish equivalent is plagas. For the rest of us who appreciate their diversity though, let’s take a look at the names of the insects in Spanish!
This post is just one of our many vocabulary guides to the natural world. For related content, check out our posts on animals, dog names, flowers, camping, hiking, fishing, and the environment.
Flying insects – Los insectos voladores
Flying insects include butterflies, flies, and bees, among others. They often play important roles in plant pollination.
English | Spanish |
Butterfly | La mariposa |
Moth | La polilla |
Dragonfly | La libélula |
Bee | La abeja |
Bumblebee | El abejorro |
Wasp | La avispa |
Hornet | El avispón |
Gnat | El jején |
Fly | La mosca |
Mosquito | El mosquito |
Horsefly | El tábano |
Firefly | La luciérnaga |
Ladybug | La mariquita |
Beetle | El escarabajo |
Grasshopper | El saltamontes |
Cricket | El grillo |
Ground insects – Los insectos terrestres
Examples of ground insects include ants, cockroaches, and beetles. They mostly traverse land, and can be found in a variety of habitats including plants and trees. Some are even considered pests when they’re found in our homes!
English | Spanish |
Ant | La hormiga |
Termite | La termita |
Ground beetle | El escarabajo de tierra |
Stick bug | El insecto palo |
Centipede | El ciempiés |
Millipede | El milpiés |
Cockroach | La cucaracha |
Earwig | La tijereta |
Mite | El ácaro |
Tick | La garrapata |
Bedbug | El chinche |
Flea | La pulga |
Louse | El piojo |
Other Spanish insect words
Now let’s take a look at some related Spanish insect words. This is the vocab we use to describe things like colonies and body parts.
English | Spanish |
Insect | El insecto |
Bug | El bicho |
Parasite | El parásito |
Nest | El nido |
Anthill | El hormiguero |
Swarm | El enjambre |
Colony | La colonia |
Beehive | La colmena |
Horde | La horda |
Egg | El huevo |
Larva | La larva |
Thorax | El tórax |
Stinger | El aguijón |
Antenna | La antena |
Sting, Bite | La picada |
Conclusion: Spanish insect vocab
Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or simply expanding your language skills, mastering the vocabulary related to bugs in Spanish can enhance your understanding of the natural world.
From identifying different insect species to describing their behaviors and habitats, this simple vocab guide equips you with the necessary tools to engage with insects in Spanish-speaking environments. So, next time you encounter a buzzing bee or a crawling cockroach, you’ll know just what to call these insects in Spanish!