For those curious about the types of insects in Nevada, you’ll find these detailed photographs interesting. But for folks who are afraid, then you might not want to look at these charming bugs of Nevada. And while you may not develop a love for the bugs, the next time you reach for the insect repellent at least you’ll know a little bit more about these different types of bugs, insects, and arachnids located throughout Nevada. And who knows, you may develop an appreciation for the creatures. Take a look if you dare.

1. Mydas Fly

Biologoandre, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The Mydas fly is the largest known fly. These flies are the most active during the summer months and are harmless insects in Nevada.

2. Carpenter Ant

Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Carpenter ants, also known as sugar ants, reside outdoors and indoors in moist, decaying, or hollow wood.

3. Spotted Orbweaver Spider

Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030), CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons
Spotted orbweaver spiders have the ability to spin orb-shaped webs up to 2 feet in diameter. These Nevada insects are usually found in places, such as parks, fields, and backyards.

4. Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar

Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Pipevine swallowtail caterpillars have an unusual defense mechanism. The moment they feel threatened, they extend a smelly gland called an osmeterium.

5. Bed Bug

Content Providers(s): CDC/ Harvard University, Dr. Gary Alpert; Dr. Harold Harlan; Richard Pollack. Photo Credit: Piotr Naskrecki, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Bed bugs have been known as human parasites for many years and infestations of these common bugs in Nevada have increased greatly since the 1980s.

6. Wolf Spider

Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Wolf spiders are agile hunters with excellent eyesight. They hunt for their food on the ground instead of building a web.

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7. Grapevine Beetle

Oleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Grapevine beetles can fly at a fast speed and hardly do any damage to their host plants. Its appearance and behavior sometimes lead people to believe it's a giant ladybug.

8. Dark Jerusalem Cricket

flickr/Amit Patel
These particular bugs of Nevada can be found under rocks, logs, and sometimes inside homes. They also have a painful bite, so be sure to leave them alone.

9. Black Widow Spider

Shenrich91, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The black widow spider is considered the most venomous spider in the United States.

10. American Cockroach

Gary Alpert, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The American cockroach is the largest species of common cockroach and is often considered a pest.

11. Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion

Fritz Geller-Grimm, CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons
The giant desert hairy scorpion is the largest scorpion in North America and one of the most dangerous insects in Nevada.

12. Acorn Weevil

Bruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons
An adult female weevil uses her long snout to bore a tiny hole in the acorn to lay her eggs.

13. Assassin Bug

James Niland from Brisbane, Australia, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
One of the more aggressive Nevada insects, an assassin bug uses its strong beak to violently stab its prey to death.

Did you know about these insects in Nevada? For those with personal experiences about some of these bugs, please share them in the comments below!

Find out more about Nevada insects and other wildlife on the University of Reno Museum of Natural History website. And if you can’t find any in real life, did you know you can buy a pack of 15 real assorted bugs on Etsy?

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More to Explore

Wildlife In Nevada

Carolyn Harmon | October 13, 2023

What are some places to observe wildlife in Nevada?

  • Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge (Stillwater Road, Fallon, NV): This desert oasis for more than 290 bird species, plants, and a variety of other wildlife lies hidden in the Lahontan Valley, 70 miles east of Reno. Established in 1948, bird lovers flock to this area for ample sightings of hundreds of thousands of shorebirds, more than a quarter-million waterfowl, and more than 20,000 other waterbirds attracted to the diverse wetlands. Walk the interpretive trail to the Stillwater Point Reservoir observation platform, or take the Auto Tour Route. The staff offers many ways to experience this impressive space.
  • Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Ruby Valley, NV): Fans of observing wildlife and peaceful outdoor spaces love this 367,632-acre magical space. And history buffs receive added bonuses, as the refuge is full of rich pieces and stories of the past. One involves the Donner Party identified by historic markers of Hastings Cutoff Trail that passes through the refuge and continues west by way of Overland Pass, which is the same route the party followed that tragic winter of 1846–1847. The beautiful property offers camping, fishing, and other ways of exploring nature.
  • And if you can't make it out, enjoy these 15 photos of some beautiful wildlife in Nevada.

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Featured Addresses
Museum Of Natural History UNR, 975 Evans Ave, Reno, NV 89557, USA