Insects of Crimea: species and habitats

The peninsula of Crimea is widely known 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 inhabit this area. 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 overall composition of insects that live in the Crimea, then scientists usually distinguish several large groups:

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

The listed groups constitute the absolute majority of insects that live on the peninsula (about 95%). The remaining 5% is represented by rarer and smaller species - for example, these are dragonflies or mantises.

A large number of insects live in Crimea. But one should not be afraid at once, because many of them not only do not possess dangerous properties, but, on the contrary, can be of benefit to man.

In the Crimea, there is a greater variety of insects of this species. So, the largest butterfly of the peninsula is pear butterfly or peacock eye. Insects with the same names swallowtail, palarium, poliksen. Besides that such creatures have especially large sizes, on their surface one can also see fancy and unusual patterns.

In addition to the above species, in the country are common 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 to be 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 brilliant gloss, and the belly is covered with short hairs. As for the stag beetle, it is most often found in the mountains and forests.

Truly mysterious, and therefore more impressive are the insects praying mantises. They have a fairly large size and can reach 7 centimeters in length. Moreover, it is important to note that females are usually significantly 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 averages, the color of the mantis is presented in different shades of green and brown. A very rare species of the praying mantis inhabits the territory of the Crimea - empusa is striped.

It should immediately be said that a large number of rare insects inhabit the territory of Crimea, which to one degree or another may be dangerous to humans. Despite this, even the most poisonous representatives are not deadly to the human body. Consider the description of the most common groups and units.

These representatives of the fauna are known not only in the territory of the peninsula of Crimea, but also far beyond its borders. In the people of mosquitoes are often called mosquitoes.If we talk about the sex differences of these animals, then it is the female mosquitoes that create the greatest inconvenience to humans, because human blood is necessary for them in order to carry out the breeding function. At the same time, the males do not bite humans - they feed on plant food - floral nectar.

It should be noted that There are about 40 species of mosquitoes in the republic. Moreover, they are most active in relation to people in the first summer months. The effects of insect bites on humans are harmless, however, they present a number of inconveniences. Thus, the area that the mosquito has bitten will turn red and will itch; in rare cases, swelling may develop (especially in the presence of allergic reactions).

These insects in the Crimea are represented by several species some of them, because of their rarity, are listed in the Red Book. As a general rule, the bite of such an insect is not dangerous, but can cause unpleasant pain. The situation is different for those people who suffer from intolerance and allergies. So, they may have symptoms such as puffiness, nausea, and even difficulty breathing. And Bites to the face and neck are considered especially dangerous.

Another category of insects most dangerous to humans and inhabiting the territory of Crimea is horseflies. The matter is complicated by the fact that the phase of their activity falls on the summer period, when a large number of tourists and vacationers come to the peninsula.

At its core gadflies are flies that are larger in size. They are blood-sucking. Moreover, as in the case of mosquitoes, it is females who are more aggressive towards humans. Especially numerous clusters of this species of insects can be found in the area of ​​various water bodies.

Insect bites themselves are quite painful, but not dangerous. The danger is different: people who are allergic to insect saliva can get anaphylactic shock after a bite, so they need medical help immediately. In addition, it is necessary to take into account that gadflies carry a large number of diseases, for example, anthrax and tularemia.

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

The popular and more famous name of the karakurt spider is “black widow”. These arthropods have a large amount of poison (mostly females). A particularly high concentration of poison 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, the spiders will not attack, they bite only if they feel the threat is approaching.. After the bite, the victim feels a sharp pain in the abdomen, lower back and chest. In addition, side effects include difficulty breathing, dizziness, and nausea. Be sure to consult a doctor, and medical assistance should be resorted to as soon as possible.

It is worth noting that this representative of arthropods has a rather unpleasant appearance. Color may vary in the range of golden and olive shades.As for the size, the length of the scolopendra often reaches 15 centimeters. Along the entire trunk of the arthropod there are short legs, and on the head one can see round eyes and long antennae.

Insects are particularly active at night. They begin to attack only in the event that if they feel aggression. Scolopendra bite site instantly blush and swell. In some cases, asthma attacks may occur after a bite. Also characterized by fever and rash.

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 grass and stunted shrubs. Most often, arthropods attack holidaymakers during outdoor recreation and picnics.

If you have been bitten by a tick, it is worth removing it immediately. This can be done independently or by contacting a doctor. The second option is more preferable, as in this case, under laboratory conditions, the tick is carefully examined to determine whether it was a carrier of encephalitis, and whether this disease threatens you.

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, you can also find here those that may be dangerous to humans. In this regard, you should be especially attentive in nature, and in the case of insect bites unknown to you - immediately consult a doctor.

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