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10 Animals Similar to Chimpanzees

Chimpanzee relaxing on a branch.

There are many animals that are similar to chimpanzees in nature. These animals are unique in their own way, yet they complement chimpanzees in their behavior and lifestyle. Chimpanzees live an average of 15 to 30 years.

However, in captivity, they can live up to 40 years. By the age of 10 years old, chimpanzees live with their moms and begin their own families around the ages of 13-15. Chimpanzees lost their homes due to deforestation, wars, and habitat destruction.

Chimpanzees are also killed for their meat, and their babies are sold to exotic pet industries. The oldest chimpanzee was 64 years old when it died. Another critical factor is that chimpanzees and humans share a DNA structure that is 98 percent compatible.

The animals listed below share differences and similarities. Some are free-spirited, some enjoy living in family settings, some enjoy being in isolation, and yet others are diversified. The most shocking animal in this group is perhaps the Bonobo.

Its social interactions and sexual appetites are in line with some humans. The fact that animals live longer in captivity is due to several factors. First, they get the proper diet that helps them develop properly.

Secondly, they get the medical attention they do not get by living on their own, and thirdly, they are safe from poaching, predators, and wild fires, and other elements that threaten their existence. These amazing facts will help you to understand both the differences and similarities these animals have with the chimpanzees.

1. Gorilla Facts

Close-up shot of gorilla in the forest.

Where do Gorillas Live?

Gorillas live in the lowlands in groups of five to 10. In some instances, they live in groups of 50, with a dominant male leading the group. Everyone in the group is submissive to the leader of the group, and all follow his lead without confrontation.

What do they eat?

Gorillas enjoy a Veterinarian diet of fruits, bamboo shoots, and plant stems. However, gorillas living in the lowlands have an appetite for ants, termites, and termite larvae.

Gorilla Lifespan

Gorillas can live up … Read the rest of the story.

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12 Animals Similar to Dogs

A portrait shot of a happy dog approaching.

The lifespan of dogs varies. How long they live depends on the type of dog in question. Domestic dogs, coyotes, wolves, and jackals live up to 10 years or more, while true foxes and Vulpes can live up to five years.

According to livescience.com, dogs are descendants of two or more wild species of jackals, wolves, or dingoes. However, there is not enough evidence to report this theory. However, based on many genetic and behavioral factors, they are believed to have originated from the Canis Lupus (gray wolf).

The animals below are similar in nature to dogs, but they still maintain their own unique personalities.

1. Canis Aureus (Golden Jackal) Scientific Facts

Canis aureus lying in the grass.

Canis aureus is the scientific name for the golden jackal. The golden jackal is part of the canid family and is native to Eurasia and East Africa. The jackal originated from two distinct species, which is the only new species of wolf.

The golden jackal is known as the African gold wolf, due to its close relationship with coyotes, wolves, and jackals that were discovered 150 years ago. The new scientific moniker is the Canis Anthus, and it is considered to be an Omnivore. The golden jackal’s lifespan is 8 to 16 years, it can run up to 20 miles per hour, and weighs 15 to 33 pounds.

Its height is 17.25 inches to 19.685, and its length ranges from 60 to 110 cm.

Diet

Golden jackals have a diverse diet. They feast on reptiles, fish, birds and bird eggs, hares, insects, frogs, young gazelles, and carrion on occasion. In winter they consume a lot of rodents, as this is their favorite pastime entrée.

Living Quarters

Golden jackals are nocturnal animals, but they can be found during the day. Golden jackals make great parents, and they live with their mates and help take care of their young. They hunt, rest, and eat together.

They live in crevices, in rocks, and caverns, that they did not dig. However, they can and do dig their … Read the rest of the story.

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14 Birds Similar to Auklets

Close-up of the face Auklet bird floats on top of water.

Auklets are small, stocky birds that have webbed feet and wings. Their plumage is typically grey or black with white markings. These birds spend most of their time at sea, only coming on land to breed.

The aucklet is a bird in the order charadriiformes and the family Alcidae. There are several types of auklets.  All species are characterized by their black-and-white plumage, webbed feet, and large bills.

Auklets live mainly in cold coastal waters and breed on rocky cliffs or in burrows on islands. Auklets are excellent swimmers and divers, able to dive to depths of over 60 m (200 ft) in search of fish, squid, and other small prey. They have a dense layer of feathers that helps keep them warm in the frigid water and makes them buoyant so they can eAukletloat back to the surface.

Types of Auklet

The rhinoceros auklet (scientific name: cerorhinca monocerata) is a small seabird in the auk family. It is the only member of the genus cerorhinca. The scientific name comes from the ancient Greek words keras, meaning “horn,” and rhynchos, meaning “beak.”

This bird is similar in appearance to other aukles, with black-and-white plumage and a large bill. However, it can be distinguished by its single black horn on the top of its head. The rhinoceros auklet lives off the coast of Alaska and northern Canada.

The rhinoceros auklet is a protected species and is not considered to be at risk of extinction. However, its small population and limited breeding range make it vulnerable to environmental changes.

1. Cassin’s Auklet

Cassin's Auklet on a tree branch.

The Cassins aucklet (scientific name – aethia cassinii) is a small seabird in the auk family. It is named after the Italian zoologist Giovanni Cassin. This bird has black-and-white plumage, a large bill, and yellow feet.

The Cassin’s auklet breeds on rocky cliffs and islands off the coast of California. It preys on little fish, squids, and crabs.

2. Crested Auklet

Close-up shot of couple Crested Auklet.

The crested Auklet (scientific name – aethia cristatella) is a small seabird in the auk … Read the rest of the story.

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6 Fish Similar to Crayfish

A crayfish on a gray stone.

Crayfish, despite their name, are not actually fish. They are crustaceans in the same family as lobsters and crabs. They are also called crawfish or crawdads.

Crayfish are found in the freshwater environment worldwide and are especially common in North America. These small creatures are a popular target for anglers, but they also play an essential role in the food chain. Crayfish are opportunistic omnivores.

They will eat just about anything they can find. Their diet consists of both plant and animal matter. They primarily feed on insects, but also consume smaller fish, snails, and worms.

As a result, crayfish are an important source of food for larger predators like fish, birds, and mammals.

More about crayfish

There are two classifications in the crayfish family. They are Astacoidea and Parastacoidea. The first classification is for the Old World cra,yfish and the second is for the New World crayfish.

The United States has several different types of crayfish, including the Louisiana red swamp crayfish, which is the state crustacean. Crawfish live in rivers, ponds, lakes, and streams. They cling to rocks and other submerged objects with their claws.

Crayfish are nocturnal creatures and will come out at night to feed. During the day, they hide from predators like fish, turtles, snakes, and birds. Crayfish reproduce by releasing eggs into the water.

The female can lay up to 600 eggs at a time. The eggs hatch after about two weeks. The baby crayfish, called crawfishlings, look like miniature adults.

However, they grow quickly and reach maturity in about one year. Crayfish can live for several years. In the wild, however, most crayfish only live for 2-3 years.

Species in the crayfish family

The crayfish family is a large family of animals. There are more than 640 animals in the family. Many have t own regional names.

They primarily live in the Southern United States and Southern Australia. Crayfish vary enormously. The smallest measures only .8 inches in length, and the largest can be up to 31 inches.

Scientists that study crayfish are … Read the rest of the story.

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15 Birds Similar to Anhingas

Anhinga standing on a rail drying its wings.

The anhinga is a large webbed-footed water bird that can also be called a water turkey or even a darter. The oldest anhinga ever known was 12 years old, and this was an anhinga in captivity. The average anhinga weighs up to 2.5 pounds, but you would never guess it by looking at it.

They have a large wingspan and are prone to showing it off as often as they can, although they are not big flyers. The diet of an anhinga is typically found in the water, where they will find fish and amphibians. They also like shellfish such as crab and shrimp if they can find it.

They look like a snake to many, which is why they also have the nickname of snakebird. This is a beautiful bird with a long neck that depends on the water to survive. A waterbird is a bird that stays near the water, and there are many different types of waterbirds.

Learn more about waterbirds and the many different birds that are similar to anhingas here.

1. The southern royal albatross is an impressive bird that loves the sea and all water life like the anhinga

An albatross resting on the rocks.

The southern royal albatross is a bird that is as beautiful as it sounds. It lives by the sea, and it loves the sea. This is a bird that enjoys foraging for food in the water and rarely meanders onto the land, although it will if something interesting is there.

The royal albatross is a great swimmer, and can dive to search for food. It particularly likes saltwater and has a unique glandular structure to remove excess salt from food when necessary. The royal albatross is a fair-sized bird that is much larger than the anhinga, but its behavior is the same.

It can weight up to 28 pounds and live up to 42 years. Fish and squid are its favorite food sources like the anhinga, but it is able to enjoy an impressive diet of many … Read the rest of the story.

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8 Birds Similar to Avocet

Avocet with open beak standing in shallow water of a lake.

The avocet is a bird that flies rapidly to catch a fine meal or to find an enjoyable spot to take in the sights and sun. The bird has distinctive features, yet there are several birds that are similar to avocets. The appearance, the behaviors, and characteristics of avocets are likely responsible for any misidentification. 

The different types of avocets existing today, their habitat, the feeding habits of the avocet, and the behaviors of avocets are interesting facts about this shore bird. Learning fun facts about avocets helps to make learning about them and watching them a fascinating experience. Conservation efforts provide the avocet with a healthier, longer life, with the possibility of having future generations enjoying watching and learning about the graceful avocet.

The Amazing and Graceful Avocet 

The Pet Facts provides a formal description of the avocet. It belongs to the Animalia family, the phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Charadriiformes, family Recurvirostridae, and genus Recurvirostra. Avocets grow to 16 to 20 inches in length.

They have a wingspan of 30 to 32 inches. Ask two people about the size of the avocet and one will likely say that it is a medium sized bird and the other will likely say that it is a large bird. The avocet weighs up to 420 grams, or 14.8 ounces.

The avocet has large areas of white feathers with black coloring on its back and its wings. The color of the head or neck helps to distinguish the four species of avocets from the other avocets. All species of avocets have the appearance of walking on stilts.

They have long, tough, sinewy, blue-gray legs for walking along shorelines and for wading in salt water or in fresh water. The webbed feet of the avocet help to make them good swimmers. Their long, curved bill is another distinctive feature of the avocet.

It provides advantages for the avocet searching for food. It forages for aquatic invertebrates while swimming or wading in shallow water. The bird swishes its head from side to side in … Read the rest of the story.

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16 Fish Similar to Bass

Largemouth bass fish in freshwater.

The word bass refers to a type of white-fleshed fish with a rich, flaky texture when cooked. Its name is derived from Middle English -bars-, which means “perch.” Bass are trimly shaped and quite active fish.

They are prized catches and are mostly found in northern waters around the globe. Bass is a versatile fish as it is pretty tasty. It can be made by poaching, baking, grilling, or broiling.

But beware that the Bass is considered a bony fish, so it may be best to remove the bones before serving. Bass refers to many types of fish that can be categorized into three families within the Perciformes (meaning – perch-like) order –

  • Serranidae – which includes hundreds of species that grow up to 18 inches. These include shallow shore-water dwellers like grouper and sea bass.
  • Moronidae – including European and striped basses.
  • Centrarchidae – which includes the prized large and small-mouth basses.
  • The Black Sea Bass – the true bass, inhabits the cold waters off the Atlantic Coast. However, most fish labeled ‘bass’ served in restaurants include either of the following –
  • Blue Spotted Sea Bass – which is really a type of grouper and NOT a bass, or
  • Chilean Sea Bass – which is really a Patagonian Toothfish found near South America as well as Antarctica.

Fortunately, there are alternative fish that you can substitute and end up with great-tasting cuisine.  

1. Sea Bream is a popular fish that is a part of the Sparidae family (Sponges).

Fresh sea Bream on ice background with fresh cut of lemons.

Sea Bream (Sparidae) are a group of compact, medium-sized fish with broad-spaced eyes and a small mouth. Sea Bream have a single dorsal fin and large scales.  They swim in shallow tropical or temperate waters feasting as a carnivore.

Sea Bream, like the Bass, offers juicy white and dense flesh and can be purchased either whole or fillets. They provide a delicate yet meaty texture and a clean taste. Sea Bream works well when grilled, cooked on a BBQ, or even baked … Read the rest of the story.

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18 Insects That Are Similar to Bees

Close-up of a bee on a sunflower.

One of the most common signs of spring and warm weather is the presence of bees buzzing around your property. Honey bees, carpenter bees, and any other type of bee will be out pollinating crops, ornamental plants, and most types of vegetation. These bees often mind their own business out in the wild, but if they are disturbed, they will attack.

Bees tend to sting, so that can be a bit painful. They can trigger allergic reactions to some when they are stung. Bees are also known for creating honey and seemingly mind their own business in their environment.

These bees are essential to the environment, but they also have some closely related insects that are either in the same family as the bee or take the impression of a bee. Many of them will also attack and can be pretty painful. This list of insects also has some differences so that you can tell the difference if you come across them while working outdoors. 

1. Wasp

High definition photo of wasp yellow axis on the grass.

When you think of a bee, you probably think of its angrier cousin, the wasp. A common wasp will have black and yellow markings similar to a bee and a buzzing sound. As they get closer, you may notice that the fuzzy hairs found on a bee are lacking.

They live in colonies like bees, but their nests are paper-like and found in hollows. They tend to nest a lot higher than bees due to their need to feed on insects and their larvae. In some cases, the wasp will attack bees and their hives to steal their honey, which is a different characteristic from the bee. 

2. Asian Horntail

Asian Horntail wasp on a leaf.

The Asian horntail is a type of wasp that is easily mistaken for a bee with a similar color and hairy texture to the bee. Their body types are longer than a bee and have an orange color when looked at up close. There are body differences between the male and female horntails.… Read the rest of the story.

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19 Insects Similar to Grasshoppers

Close-up shot of grasshopper on a green grass.

You’ve seen them hopping around in the Spring and Summer, a long insect that may take off in flight after a few minutes of watching them. Looking around, you will see more and notice that they are staying close to crops or flowers, seeking out vegetation. While these grasshoppers will not bite or sting, they put their destruction into the leaves and quality of crops.

Their diet consists of leaves and stems. They will also eat flowers, seeds, or dead insects where they can gather an extra source of protein. Most of these grasshoppers are two inches long and have wings to escape cold weather. The average lifespan of a grasshopper is about a year.

Below are some other insects that could be confused as grasshoppers or are just closely related. 

1. Crickets

A beautiful cricket insect resting in a black tile.

About a half inch shorter than the grasshopper is the closely related cricket. Coming out when it is hot outside and chirping loudly through the early night, crickets are the sound of country living throughout the country. They have long antennae like the grasshopper but do not fly like them.

They also have the long cylinder-shaped body that the grasshoppers have. They are not dangerous but prefer the evening hours instead of daylight. While the grasshopper has ears on its belly, the crickets have their ears on their legs. 

2. Mole Crickets

Adult Mole Cricket genus on a brown surface.

More significant than the cricket, the mole cricket is the same size as a grasshopper, around two inches long. While many of these are herbivores like the grasshopper, there are cases where some will feed on worms and grubs for survival. They are found worldwide and have a loud song, like cicadas.

Unlike the grasshopper, they are brown or almost translucent. They have two pairs of wings and can fly like the grasshopper. 

3. Flower Mantis

Flower Mantis on a plant leaf.

Like the grasshopper, the flower mantis can be found throughout the day, camouflaged in flowers like the grasshoppers are camouflaged in leaves. The big difference is the flower … Read the rest of the story.

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15 Insects Similar to Ants

A colony of ants attacks dead insects.

Ants are some of the most fascinating insects in the world. Scientists estimate that there are more than 12,000 ant species, which cover every continent but Antartica. These ant species fall into the suborder of hymenoptera clade, otherwise known as stinging insects.

They share this distinction with bees and wasps. But these aren’t the only insects that share strong similarities with ants. In fact, many insects have evolved explicitly to mimic the way ants act, move, hunt, look, work, and even smell. 

So why do they do this and what’s the point? Ant mimicry is a fascinating and complex topic, and there are countless ways that other insects have learned to do it. In this article, we’ll break down the insects that are most similar to ants and what they have in common.

1. The Bees’ Knees

Swarm of honey bees.

Bees are one of the most important insects on the planet, known for their role in pollination as well as producing honey. They are also one of the most closely related insects to ants, both being categorized under the order hymenoptera as stinging insects. Bees have many unique physical characteristics, including crossing mouth hairs, two sets of wings, jointed antennae, and both mandibles and a proboscis for gathering nectar.

Bees and ants share similarities in their compound eyes, their life cycle, and their communal living headed by a queen who lays eggs. Bees are some of the most complex and vital insects in the world, playing an irreplaceable role in ecology and diversity.

2. Kicking the Wasp Nest

Close-up view of a wasp.

Wasps are related to bees and also fall under the broad category of stinging insects. There are roughly one hundred thousand types of wasps, which are found all over the world. Like ants, wasps have a hard, segmented exoskeleton, compound eyes, and mandibles.

They share other similarities in their social practices, though wasps tend to be more solitary than ants. Lastly, like ants, wasps usually lay their eggs in a nest, with the adults leaving to hunt for food for the … Read the rest of the story.

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20 Fish Similar to Mahi Mahi

A mahi-mahi actively captured using fishing hook.

One of the most popular saltwater fish used for food and enjoyment in the ocean is Mahi Mahi. It is found in the Hawaiian Islands and Indonesian waters in most cases. They have also been spotted as far south as Central and South America, swimming just off the coast.

The Mahi Mahi takes on beautiful tropical colors, starting with a dark blue fin and then a golden underbelly. These fish are around 30 pounds and approximately three feet long at maturity. The average lifespan of this fish is approximately five years.

While they are a great fish to enjoy for food and also important to the ecosystem, other fish are similar living throughout the world. 

1. Cod

Cod isolated on a white background.

Like the Mahi Mahi, the Cod is another fish that feeds on smaller fish navigating through the ocean water. They also navigate the Pacific Ocean along with the Mahi Mahi. You will find them, however, in the Atlantic Ocean as well. They are not as bright, taking on a more gray and translucent color.

Another feature that the two do not share is the temperature of the water they are swimming in. While the Mahi prefers warmer temperatures, the Cod likes colder seas, navigating much higher. These fish are farmed and caught to be sold around the country. 

2. White Sea Bass

Close-up of a fresh white sea bass.

The White Sea Bass is another ocean fish similar to Mahi Mahi, found primarily in the Pacific Ocean. Both of these have some blue scales and blue fins. However, where the Mahi blends down into gold, the white sea bass blends into a gray color.

These fish enjoy preying on smaller animals and vegetation in the ocean.  While they can be found in the warmer waters of the Pacific Coast,  you can find white sea bass as far north as Alaska. 

3. Tuna

A tuna fish with underwater sun rays.

Farmed just like Mahi Mahi is the infamous tuna fish. There are at least eight different types of tuna fish, but it is essential to know this … Read the rest of the story.

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17 Birds Similar to Bluebirds

Male eastern bluebird perching on tree stump.

When you think of the bluebird, you think of an average-sized bird in the brightest shades of blue with an orange chest sitting on your feeders, flying through the sky or nesting in a tree nearby. These birds have a lifespan of anywhere from 6 to 10 years, so you can enjoy them for several years through the spring and summer months. Like most birds, the male bluebird will have the most attractive colors, in areas where there is a lot of grass and vegetation.

These birds have a preferred omnivore diet but will dine on certain vegetation and seeds if there are no worms to be had. While it may seem like bluebirds are very popular, there are some other birds similar to bluebirds in their size, color, and other features. No matter where you are in the country, there are numerous other birds that are blue and have vast differences from the bluebird. 

1. Blue Jays

Blue Jays perched on a lumber.

If you think you are looking at a large bluebird, look again because it may just be a blue jay. They are about a third longer than bluebirds. While they both are similar in their blue color, the color patterns are different with bluebirds having a blue and orange pattern and the blue jay has a hint of purple, gray, and blue pattern.

Both of these birds prefer to be vocal, but if you listen closely, you can hear the difference. With the bluebird, you’ll hear a low-pitched signing while the blue jay will make clicks, whirrs, and movement sounds. The lifespan on the blue jay is similar to the bluebird, lasting between five and seven years on average.

2. Indigo Bunting

Male Indigo Bunting sitting on a tree.

Similar in size and color, it is easy to mistake an indigo bunting for a bluebird if you do not look carefully enough. While these birds are both found in the eastern part of the country, they do have some differences. The bluebird does have a blue contrast with the orange while … Read the rest of the story.

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15 Insects Similar to Dragonflies

Dragonfly perching on a dry twig.

The mighty dragonfly is an insect with an ancient history. There are a surprising number of different dragonflies known today. The many types of dragonflies are a reason that some people confuse them with other insects.

There are several insects that have similarities to the dragonfly. We delve into interesting information about the dragonfly. We look at different types of dragonflies.

We explore the similarities and differences between dragonflies and insects like dragonflies. Enjoy the symbolism and the meaning of the mighty dragonfly.

The Dragonfly in Ancient History

Dragonflies have a known history dating back to millions of years ago. Picture gigantic dragonflies flying about back in the ages of the dinosaurs. The stories of giant dragonflies in ancient history are partly true.

There is a little dramatic flair to the story. Giant dragonflies that existed before the dinosaur age were actually Meganisopterans, or “griffinflies.” Earth Archives explains that they lived from the Late Carboniferous to the Late Permian periods. These periods were approximately 317 to 247 million years ago.

What are Dragonflies?

Dragonflies are invertebrates, with the scientific name “Anisoptera.” The species belongs to the Odonata order. Dragonflies have magnificent flight abilities.

They can reach speeds up to 35 miles an hour. They lift off their perch like a helicopter. The four horizontal, long wings guide them wherever they want to go.

Each wing has the capability to move independently of the other wings. They have the ability to move their wings to propel them forwards or backwards. They hover about ponds, smaller lakes or rivers and marshy areas.

Dragonflies start their lives in the water. The female lays her eggs by dipping her abdomen in the water. The eggs hatch in about a week. 

The dragonfly nymphs stay in the water for up to three years. They eat by catching mosquito larvae, tiny fish or insects. They sometimes eat other dragonfly nymphs. 

Dragonfly nymphs molt up to 15 times before they emerge as adults. The entire process … Read the rest of the story.

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20 Insects Similar to Mosquitoes

Macro shot of a biting mosquito on the skin surface.

One of the biggest pests in the United States is the mosquito. It makes its home in the humid and warm areas down South most of the year. Late in the evening and early morning when the sun starts to set, they will fly around and start to take bites out of those working, playing, or just enjoying the warm outdoors.

Once these pests reach maturity, the male mosquitoes dine on sugary fluids from plants while the females seek out blood meals. They are not the only pests flying around your face, taking a bite out of you here and there. Some insects you see look like mosquitoes but may actually be something completely different.

Other insects are not like the mosquito in appearance, but they share similar habits. You may be surprised by some of the insects that have similarities to the mosquitoes and what the differences are. 

1. Owl Midges

Owl Midges in the long grass.

Around the time mosquitoes are out and attempting to be dominant in the air, owl midges are also circling areas that are holding water. Both the mosquito and the owl midge have similarities in where they like to reside. Both of these insects enjoy stagnated water, water build-up, and anything that resembles a swamp.

When there is a water leak in the home, you are likely to find one or both of these insects nearby. One big difference between the two is their bodily texture. The mosquito is skinny and thin with longer wings.

The owl midge, however, has shorter and stocker wings that are thicker and not quite as translucent. The mosquito is also a stronger flier than the owl midge, which can only fly small distances. 

2. Mayflies

Macro shot of mayfly on a green background.

Another insect that finds residence near the water is mayflies. These actually look similar to mosquitoes, as they have large wings that are translucent, and they can fly pretty well with four wings. Like the mosquito, they enjoy an area with water nearby and will colonize … Read the rest of the story.

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13 Insects Similar to Earwigs

Earwigs on a flower, bent under her weight.

Earwigs are members of the beetle family. They have flat, narrow, dark bodies and pincers at the end of their abdomens. They are omnivorous, and harmless to humans despite their appearance.

In this article, we’ll look at some insects that are like earwigs, and how you can tell the difference.

1. Silverfish are blind and deaf insects that come out of drains and live in moist areas.

Retro effect shot of Silverfish on the floor.

Silverfish live in cool and damp areas. They are primitive insects. Their bodies are teardrop-shaped, with six legs and a back covered in silvery plates.

Their side-to-side movements are one of the reasons people call them silverfish. They live on a diet of sugar and starches. They find food everywhere, including natural fabrics and even the glue in bound books. Silverfish are a pest.

They can contaminate food and cause damage to clothes and other possessions. They are very safe and they don’t bite or sting humans. They are herbivores, except when they eat each other.

Silverfish are enthusiastically cannibalistic. Silverfish are like earwigs in that they have 2 cerci or prongs that come out of the back. In earwigs, these cerci can be used to grasp and hold prey.

The cerci that silverfish have are only used for sensing the chemical composition of the ground. Silverfish are deaf and mostly blind, and they rely on other receptors. Silverfish and earwigs also both enjoy cool and damp environments.

Silverfish are different from earwigs in size. Silverfish are usually 2-12 mm long. Earwigs are larger at 7-50 mm long. Earwigs are yellow or dark brown.

Silverfish are gray and silvery. Earwigs are omnivores, while silverfish are herbivores, except when they are cannibals.

2. Firebrats like kitchens, laundry rooms, and anywhere with a heat vent.

Firebrat in normal habitat.

You can find silverfish in cool and damp environments, but firebrats love the heat. You’ll find firebrats in heating ducts and around ovens or heaters – anywhere the temperature stays high and the air is humid. Firebrats are part of the same family as … Read the rest of the story.

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15 Insects Similar to Butterflies

Colorful flowers and flying butterflies around.

There are over 175,000 species of butterflies in the world. They are insects of the Lepidoptera order that begin their lives as caterpillars. Like all insects, they have three main body parts; the head, thorax, and abdomen.

The head features a pair of long antennae with ball-shaped tips. They also have two large eyes and between their eyes is the mouth. Butterflies also have a tongue called a proboscis.

It’s tubular and can roll-up. The thorax or middle part of the butterfly holds the muscles that move the butterfly’s six legs and wings. The heart and digestive system are also in the thorax.

Butterflies have an exoskeleton, which is hard, shell-like skin. Butterflies come in many colors. Their wings actually give them their colors.

They have thin, stiff wings, with two in the front and two in the back. The wings have a dusty texture consisting of scales. The scales give the butterflies their colors.

When it comes to eating, butterflies feed on the nectar in flowers. They taste food through the tiny hairs on their front feet, but they eat the nectar by rolling up their proboscis. They insert it into the flower and use it like a straw to suck the nectar.

Some butterflies also eat tree sap, fruit, and even dead animals. They drink water the same way. Most adult butterflies live for one to two weeks and during that time, they pollinate flowers, crops, and native plants.

Many people plant butterfly gardens to attract beautiful and colorful butterflies. Although butterflies don’t have the same reputation as other creepy insects, there are other insects that are similar to butterflies. Take a look at the following insects with many of the same traits as butterflies. 

1. Snowberry Clearwing moths could fool birdwatchers.

Snowberry Clearwing moths drinks nectar from a flower.

Although moths aren’t as attractive as butterflies, there are over 11,000 species and many of them are incredible. For example, the Snowberry Clearwing moth actually looks like a hummingbird.

Differences

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15 Insects Similar to Silverfish

Macro of a silverfish on a white wall.

Silverfish are a common pest, and they are easily confused with other insects that look similar, live in the same places, or damage your home in the same way. In this article, we’ll look at some other insect species that are similar to silverfish, and how you can tell the difference.

1. There are more than 40 kinds of silverfish in the US alone.

A silverfish on a cream concrete surface.

The insects that are most closely related to silverfish are within the same family of bristletails in the order Thysanura. There are 40 different kinds of silverfish in the US, and 250 around the world. The most common kind of silverfish is called Lepisma saccharinum – sugar taker.

Silverfish feed on sugar and starches they find in everything from house dust to the glue used in book bindings. They are teardrop-shaped bugs that range from 12-15 mm long, and although they reproduce slowly, they can live from 2-8 years. They are called silverfish because they have silvery scales on their backs that they can shed when attacked by predators, and because they move side to side even as they move forward, like a fish swimming through water.

Silverfish are some of the oldest insects there are. Most of the insects in the world today have wings. Many of the wingless insects are descended from insects that had wings. Silverfish are some of the rare insects that never evolved wings.

The standard silverfish and bristletail design have changed very little in 400 million years. Silverfish prefer cool and damp environments, like basements and garages. They like it when the humidity is higher than 75%. 

Although silverfish are annoying and can contaminate food, they’re not unsafe to live with. They do not bite humans, and they don’t carry any diseases. One of the most interesting facts about silverfish is that although they are essentially deaf and have eyes that can only detect light or dark, they have 6 other kinds of sensory receptors to help them navigate.

They must experience the … Read the rest of the story.

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9 Insects Similar to Bed Bugs

Close-up shot of a bed bug in the human skin.

Bed bugs, they are the bain of existence for people who work in hotels and hospitality. These are exactly the types of creatures that no hotel ever wants to deal with. Unfortunately for them, bed bugs are often all over the place, and it can be a challenge to really get them totally taken care of.

This is why it is important to understand what bed bugs are as well as what some creatures that look similar to them are. Knowing if you have a bed bug infestation or merely a small number of a different kind of bug that looks similar to a bed bug is a big deal. Thus, without further ado, we will take a look at some creatures that are similar to bed bugs now. 

1. Bat Bugs

Bat bug on a green leaf.

Confusion about this creature and bed bugs starts with the name alone. Bat bugs have a shockingly similar name to bed bugs, and it is reasonable that some people believe that they are one in the same. They are not, but that doesn’t stop people from having that idea.

They probably have the look that is most similar to bed bugs of anything else in the animal kingdom. The only way to truly tell them apart is to look for longer hairs on their head than what you will see on the head of a bed bug. They are about the size of an apple seed and are brown in color as well as being oval in shape.

Also, it is interesting to see that they are completely unable to fly despite the fact that they have wings on their back. What you will discover is that all of this is exactly the same as bed bugs, but bat bugs are distinct in that they won’t be found in your bed or sheets. They exist in caves and other dark and damp places. 

2. Booklice

Close-up shot of a booklice.

These bugs are longer and thinner than the average bed bug. They are generally a whitish or clear color that is pretty interesting … Read the rest of the story.

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