The great majority of animal species in Algonquin Provincial Park are insects. Although we can't say exactly how many insect species live here, a recent survey of a patch of forest along an Algonquin lake turned up about 700 species of terrestrial flies alone! Extrapolating partly from that survey, we can estimate that Algonquin supports at least 7,000 species of insects, compared to fewer than 300 species of birds and mammals.

Insects not only make up the bulk of our wildlife diversity, they also play major roles in all Algonquin ecosystems. Many plants would disappear without insect pollinators, and entire ecosystems would collapse in the absence of insects in the food chain. Apart from being extremely important to the ecology of Algonquin, insects are fascinating animals in their own right. Insects feed, mate, and grow in many interesting and sometimes very bizarre ways.

If you would like to find out more about Algonquin's insects we recommend that you pick up a copy of the fabulous new book The Insects of Algonquin Provincial Park written by Dr. Steve Marshall of the University of Guelph, and illustrated with his own outstanding photographs.

There are two additional publications about Algonquin's insects published by The Friends of Algonquin Park. For those interested in butterflies, Dr. Gard Otis of the University of Guelph has written the excellent book, Butterflies of Algonquin Provincial Park. Also dealing with butterflies is the Checklist of the Butterflies of Algonquin Provincial Park.

All of the above books can be ordered from The Friends of Algonquin Park or purchased at various locations throughout the Park.

A great way to get to know Algonquin's insects is by joining a Park Naturalist, during the summer months, for an insect walk or an Evening Program on insects - both events are part of our Summer Interpretive Program.

School and youth groups wishing to learn about insects can take advantage of programs such as Vampires and Assassins, available through our Group Education Program.

Spring is the season of Blackflies and Mosquitos
Here are some suggestions on what to expect and how to prepare.