Lace bugs
Lace bugs are small true bugs in the family Tingidae. They are named for the lace-like pattern of the veins in their wings and body covering.
Lacewings
Lacewings are insects in the order Neuroptera, especially the green and brown lacewings. Their larvae are fierce predators of aphids and other pests.
Larder beetles
Larder beetles (Dermestes lardarius) are scavenging beetles that feed on dried meat, cheese, and animal products. They are common household pests.
Leaf beetles
Leaf beetles are beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. They are plant feeders and include many species that are agricultural pests.
Leafcutter ants
Leafcutter ants are ants in the genera Atta and Acromyrmex. They cut leaves and use them to cultivate fungus, which serves as their primary food.
Leafcutter bees
Leafcutter bees are solitary bees in the family Megachilidae. They cut pieces from leaves to build nests in cavities or soil.
Leaf-footed bugs
Leaf-footed bugs are true bugs in the family Coreidae. Many have flattened, leaf-like extensions on their hind legs.
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are small, agile insects in the family Cicadellidae. They feed on plant sap and can transmit plant pathogens.
Lightning bugs
Lightning bugs are another name for fireflies, beetles in the family Lampyridae. They produce bioluminescent light to communicate and attract mates.
Lion ants
Lion ants is a colloquial name for antlion larvae. These predatory larvae build pit traps in sandy soil to capture ants and other small insects.
Locusts
Locusts are grasshoppers in the family Acrididae that can form large, destructive swarms when environmental conditions trigger a phase change.
Longhorn beetles
Longhorn beetles are beetles in the family Cerambycidae. They are named for their extremely long antennae and often infest wood.
Louse flies
Louse flies are parasitic flies in the family Hippoboscidae. They feed on the blood of birds and mammals and may lose their wings after settling on a host.
Luna moths
Luna moths (Actias luna) are large, pale green silk moths native to North America. Adults have long tails on their hind wings and do not feed.