Buggin' Out

Why do some insects have feminine names like "damselfly" and "ladybug," but there aren't any 'machobeetles' or 'manwasps'? It seems unfair to the menfolk. Although, I heard damselflies were named as such because they're similar to dragonflies, but smaller and weaker, so maybe it's the female bugs who should be...

By Kaitlin Ingram

June 28, 2007

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "18855504",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17105533",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18349797",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17105532",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18349797",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17105535",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Why do some insects have feminine names like "damselfly" and "ladybug," but there aren't any 'machobeetles' or 'manwasps'? It seems unfair to the menfolk. Although, I heard damselflies were named as such because they're similar to dragonflies, but smaller and weaker, so maybe it's the female bugs who should be insulted. Be sure to bring it up at the dragonfly workshop Saturday at Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park, where U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist Omar Bocanegra will help you identify dragonflies and damselflies in flight as you tour the gardens. The workshop lasts from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., so bring a lunch. Admission is $10 for TDG members and $15 for non-members, and advance registration is required, so make sure to sign up by Friday. For more information, call 214-428-7476 or visit texasdiscoverygardens.org.
Sat., June 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

KEEP THE OBSERVER FREE... Since we started the Dallas Observer, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Dallas, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.