Caddisflies
Caddisflies are insects in the order Trichoptera. The aquatic larvae build protective cases from materials like sand, twigs, and leaves.
Camel crickets
Camel crickets are insects in the family Rhaphidophoridae. They are wingless, hump-backed, and typically found in cool, damp environments.
Carpet beetles
Carpet beetles are beetles in the family Dermestidae. Their larvae feed on natural fibers and can be pests in homes and museums.
Casebearers
Casebearers are moths in the family Coleophoridae. The larvae create and live in portable protective cases made of silk and plant material.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths. Many are herbivores and some are considered agricultural pests.
Chalcid wasps
Chalcid wasps are tiny parasitic wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea. They parasitize other insects and are used in biological control.
Checkered beetles
Checkered beetles are beetles in the family Cleridae. They are often brightly colored and feed on other insects, including wood-boring beetles.
Click beetles
Click beetles are beetles in the family Elateridae. They can snap their bodies to flip into the air with an audible click, helping them escape predators.
Clothes moths
Clothes moths are moths in the family Tineidae. The larvae feed on wool, fur, and other animal-based fibers, damaging stored clothing and textiles.
Cluster flies
Cluster flies are true flies in the family Polleniidae. They often overwinter in homes in large numbers, forming clusters on windows and walls.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are insects in the order Blattodea. They are scavengers and are often associated with human dwellings where they can be pests.
Cockroach wasps
Cockroach wasps, such as the emerald cockroach wasp, are parasitoid wasps that lay eggs on cockroaches. The larvae feed on the host.
Crane flies
Crane flies are large, long-legged flies in the family Tipulidae. Although they resemble giant mosquitoes, they do not bite or sting.
Crickets
Crickets are insects in the family Gryllidae. They are known for their chirping songs produced by rubbing their wings together.
Crypt beetles
Crypt beetles are beetles in the family Cryptophagidae. Many species feed on mold and fungi in decaying organic matter.
Curtain web spiders
Curtain web spiders, though not insects, are funnel-web weaving spiders. They construct horizontal sheet webs with a retreat tunnel.
Cutworms
Cutworms are moth larvae that live in the soil and cut down young plants at the stem base. They are serious pests for farmers and gardeners.