All insects belong to the phylum Arthropoda. But unlike other arthropods—like lobsters, spiders, or millipedes—insects have three pairs of jointed legs, segmented bodies, an exoskeleton ...

Taking eye-catching pictures of insects requires lots of patience, luck and muscle memory, says Salb. He aims to photograph them during warmer months in the pre-dawn hours, when they are less active.

Bombardier beetles have the infamous ability to synthesize and release rapid bursts of stinky, burning-hot liquid from their rear ends. These noxious emissions can kill other insects, or startle ...