Other Insects
There are a number of insects in the Amazon rainforest that I don't have enough material to dedicate an entire page to, but they still play critical roles in the ecosystem. Below, I've compiled a list of these fascinating insects, highlighting their importance.
Termites
There are approximately 2,750 species of termites in the world (Krishna, 2024). It is unclear how many of these species inhabit the Amazon rainforest, but they play an indispensable role as detritivores. Termites perform the crucial task of breaking down wood from dead trees. Given the abundance of wood in the rainforest, a large amount of nutrients and energy is locked within it. By breaking down this material, termites recycle those nutrients, helping the ecosystem function more efficiently.
Dragonflies and Damselflies
There are more than 5,000 species of dragonflies and damselflies worldwide (Forest Preserve District Will County, 2019), though it's unclear how many of these species are found in the Amazon. These insects are quite similar, with the main difference being that dragonflies hold their wings out when resting, while damselflies fold theirs. Both are skilled aerial predators, and their aquatic nymphs are also predatory. This makes dragonflies and damselflies particularly valuable for controlling mosquito populations—their nymphs prey on mosquito larvae, while the adults feed on flying mosquitoes.
Assassin Caterpillar
The assassin caterpillar (Lonomia obliqua) is the larval stage of a species of giant silk moth (Bessin). This caterpillar is notorious for being particularly venomous and is often described as the most venomous caterpillar in the world. Its venom acts as an anticoagulant, meaning it prevents blood from clotting. Severe envenomation can result in hemorrhaging, kidney damage (up to and including end-stage renal failure), and even death.
Sandflies
Sandflies are tiny biting flies that can transmit diseases such as leishmaniasis and Carrion’s disease. In the Amazon, deforestation can have varying effects on sandfly populations—some species may decline, while others may thrive. Additionally, human encroachment into previously uninhabited areas increases the risk of contact with sandflies and the diseases they carry.
Kissing Bugs
There are approximately 140 species of kissing bugs worldwide (Koltz, 2014). While it's unclear how many species reside in the Amazon rainforest, these insects are significant because they transmit Chagas disease, a potentially life-threatening illness. Similar to sandflies, deforestation and human encroachment can influence kissing bug populations, increasing the likelihood of contact with humans.
References:
Krishna, Kumar. (December 11, 2024) Termites Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/animal/termite
(June 28. 2019) What’s the difference?: Dragonfly vs. Damselfly Forest Preserve District Will County
https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/the-buzz/what-the-difference-dragonfly-vs-damselfly/
Bessin, Ric. Stinging Caterpillars University of Kentucky Department of Entomology
https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef003
Seldeslachts, Andrea. Peigneur, Steve. Tytgat, Jan. (May, 2020) Caterpillar venom: A health hazard of the 21st century PubMed
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7345192/
Koltz, Stephen A. Dorn, Patrica A. Mosbacher, Mark. Schmidt, Justin O. (December 10, 2014) Kissing Bugs in the United States: Risk for Vector-Borne Disease in Humans PubMed