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Insect

Species and Family: Arachnids in order Ixodida, mainly Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks).
Appearance: Small, oval, 1 mm–1 cm, 8 legs; hard ticks have a shield, soft ticks are leathery.
Habitat and Range: Found worldwide (except extreme cold), in woods, grasslands, shrubs, and humid areas.
Social Life and Behaviour: Solitary

Species and Family: Arachnids in order Ixodida, mainly Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks).
Appearance: Small, oval, 1 mm–1 cm, 8 legs; hard ticks have a shield, soft ticks are leathery.
Habitat and Range: Found worldwide (except extreme cold), in woods, grasslands, shrubs, and humid areas.
Social Life and Behaviour: Solitary parasites, use questing to find hosts; life cycle: egg → larva → nymph → adult.
Diet: Blood-feeders on mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians; feed for several days.
Role in the Ecosystem: Food for birds, reptiles, arthropods; help regulate wildlife populations indirectly.
Relationship with Humans: Disease vectors (Lyme, Rocky Mountain spotted fever); can cause bites and infections.
Fun Fact: Can survive without food for years, depending on species and stage.

Species and Family: Beetles in the family Coccinellidae, with over 6,000 species worldwide.
Appearance: Small, dome-shaped, often red or orange with black spots, 0.8–18 mm in size.
Habitat and Range: Found worldwide, in gardens, forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields.
Social Life and Behaviour: Mostly solitary, but can aggregate i

Species and Family: Beetles in the family Coccinellidae, with over 6,000 species worldwide.
Appearance: Small, dome-shaped, often red or orange with black spots, 0.8–18 mm in size.
Habitat and Range: Found worldwide, in gardens, forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields.
Social Life and Behaviour: Mostly solitary, but can aggregate in large groups during winter hibernation; good fliers.
Diet: Predators of aphids, mites, and other small insects; some species eat pollen or fungus.
Role in the Ecosystem: Natural pest control, helping plants by reducing herbivorous insects.
Relationship with Humans: Beneficial insects for gardens and agriculture; harmless to humans.
Fun Fact: When threatened, they release a yellow, foul-smelling fluid from their legs as a defense mechanism.