Insects of Crimea: species and habitats

The Crimean peninsula is widely famous for its favorable climate and nature. This combination of external conditions contributes to the fact that a large number of a wide variety of insects live in this territory. And if some of them make a positive impression on a person (for example, butterflies), others, on the contrary, can have a negative impact. In addition, a large number of harmful and dangerous insects are found on the territory of the peninsula.

In general, if we talk about the general composition of insects that live in Crimea, then scientists usually distinguish several large groups:

• Diptera - they are represented by such insects as flies, mosquitoes, midges, horseflies, etc .;
• lepidoptera - typical representatives of the order are moths and butterflies;
• hymenoptera - for example, ants, wasps and bees;
• coleoptera - beetles of various types;
• hemiptera - these are, first of all, bedbugs.

The listed groups make up the absolute majority of insects living on the peninsula (about 95%). The remaining 5% are represented by more rare and fewer species - for example, these are dragonflies or praying mantises.

A large number of insects live in the Crimea. But you should not be immediately scared, because many of them not only do not have dangerous properties, but, on the contrary, can be beneficial to a person.

In Crimea, there is a greater variety of insects of this species. So, the largest butterfly on the peninsula is pear butterfly or peacock eye... Insects with names are not inferior in size swallowtail, podaliry, polyxenes. Besides that such creatures are especially large in size; bizarre and unusual patterns can also be discerned on their surface.

In addition to the above-described species, in the republic are widespread hawk moths several types. So, here you can see oak and oleander representatives, as well as insects with the unusual name "dead head".

The most common are rhinoceros beetles and deer beetles. So, the first species is considered quite rare. The horn is observed only in males, and the average size of the beetle of this species is about 5 centimeters. The shell has a shiny gloss, and the belly is covered with short hairs. As for the stag beetle, it is most often found in the mountains and forests.

Mantis insects are truly mysterious, and therefore more impressive. They are rather large in size and can reach 7 centimeters in length. Moreover, it is important to note that females are usually much larger than males.

The color of these insects can be very diverse. First of all, it depends on the habitat of the animal. If we talk about the average indicators, then the colors of the praying mantis are presented in different shades of green and brown. A very rare species of praying mantis, striped empusa, lives on the territory of Crimea.

It should be said right away that a large number of rare insects live on the territory of Crimea, which, to one degree or another, can pose a danger to humans. Despite this, even the most poisonous representatives are not fatal to the human body. Consider a description of the most common groups and units.

These representatives of the fauna are known not only on the territory of the Crimean peninsula, but also far beyond its borders. Mosquitoes are often called mosquitoes among the people. If we talk about the sex differences of these animals, then it is the female mosquitoes that create great inconveniences for humans, because they need human blood in order to carry out the function of reproduction. At the same time, males do not bite people - they feed on plant food - flower nectar.

It should be noted that about 40 species of mosquitoes live in the republic. Moreover, they are most active in relation to people in the first summer months. The consequences of the bites of these insects for humans are not dangerous, however, they present a number of inconveniences. So, the area that the mosquito has bitten will turn red and itch, in rare cases, swelling may develop (especially in the presence of allergic reactions).

These insects in Crimea are represented by several species, some of them, due to their rarity, are included in the Red Book. As a general rule, the bite of such an insect is not dangerous, but it can cause unpleasant pain. The situation is different with regard to those people who suffer from intolerances and allergies. So, they may experience symptoms such as swelling, nausea, and even shortness of breath. And bites to the face and neck are considered especially dangerous.

Horseflies are another category of insects most dangerous to humans and insects living on the territory of Crimea. The matter is further complicated by the fact that the phase of their activity falls just in the summer period, when a large number of tourists and vacationers come to the territory of the peninsula.

At its core, horseflies are flies that are larger in size. They are bloodsucking. Moreover, as in the case of mosquitoes, it is females that are more aggressive towards humans. Especially numerous clusters of this type of insects can be found in the area of ​​various reservoirs.

Insect bites themselves are quite painful. but not dangerous. The danger is different: people who are allergic to insect saliva can go into anaphylactic shock after being bitten, therefore they immediately need medical attention. In addition, it must be taken into account that horseflies carry a large number of diseases, such as anthrax and tularemia.

In addition to insects, other creatures (arthropods, arachnids, millipedes) live in the Crimea, which can harm humans. They can be found especially often in the mountains or steppes.

The popular and better known name for the karakurt spider is "black widow". These arthropods have a lot of venom (mostly females). A particularly high concentration of venom in the spider's body is found during the breeding season. The bite of such a creature is very dangerous: it can cause death.

On their own initiative, spiders will not attack, they only bite if they sense an approaching threat... After the bite, the victim feels acute pain in the abdomen, lower back and chest. Other side effects include shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea. It is imperative to see a doctor, and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

It is worth noting that this representative of arthropods has a rather unpleasant appearance. The color can range in a range of golden and olive shades. As for the size, scolopendra often reach 15 centimeters in length. Short legs are located along the entire body of the arthropod, and round eyes and long antennae can be seen on the head.

Insects are especially active at night. They start attacking only if if they feel aggression. The site of the scolopendra bite instantly turns red and swells. In some cases, asthma attacks may occur after the bite. Fever and rashes are also common.

On the territory of the peninsula, 23 species of ticks live, and 4 of them are carriers of a dangerous disease - encephalitis. The most common habitats are grasses and low-growing shrubs. Most often, arthropods attack vacationers during outdoor recreation and picnics.

If you are bitten by a tick, then it should be removed immediately. This can be done on your own or by contacting your doctor. The second option is more preferable, since in this case, in laboratory conditions, the tick is carefully examined in order to identify the fact whether it was a carrier of encephalitis, and whether you are threatened with this disease.

Thus, we were able to make sure that the flora of the Crimea is quite diverse and interesting. It is worth remembering that along with useful and beautiful insects, here you can also find those that can pose a danger to humans. In this regard, you should be especially careful in nature, and in case of bites of insects unknown to you, immediately consult a doctor.

Below you can watch a video about 6 types of the most dangerous insects of Crimea.