over the course of the past year, i have became increasingly fascinated by bugs. the flying types, the crawling types, all insects imaginable. i used to be a wuss when it came to insects, particularly spiders (as i feel is probably common amongst people these days), but i am gradually warming up to these incredible beings. they are undeniably one of the most diverse classes (subphyla) on the planet, and rival the deep-sea in terms of how little is known about some, alongside new species being discovered constantly.

taxonomy, the process of classification and basically giving things a name, has always been a lingering interest of mine. whilst insects are quite a complicated group of organisms to classify, i find their latin names irresistible. a latin name comprises of the genus and species of the creature, in a specific format - the genus being capitalised, with the species remaining otherwise, all in italics. for example,

the downy emerald dragonfly is known by the name Cordulia aenea. i think, sadly, i have found my new pass-time. classifying insects. why is this stuff all so interesting to me?