Introduction
In the world of nature, insects play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. From pollination to decomposition, their contributions are invaluable. For those interested in learning about these tiny creatures in the Malayalam language, this article provides a comprehensive guide. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a language learner, or simply curious, getting to know the names of various insects in Malayalam can be an enriching experience. This journey not only enhances your vocabulary but also deepens your appreciation for both the language and the natural world.
The Importance of Insects in Ecosystems
Insects are the most diverse group of organisms on Earth, with over a million known species. They play pivotal roles in pollination, soil aeration, decomposition, and as a food source for other animals. Understanding their significance in the ecosystem helps underscore the importance of preserving their habitats. In Kerala, a state in the southwestern region of India, insects are integral to the lush biodiversity. Learning their names in Malayalam connects us more closely to the environment and the cultural context of the region.
Common Insects in Malayalam
Here are 20 common insects and their names in Malayalam:
Insects Names in Malayalam
Malayalam vocabulary for children and beginners
100 Insects in Malayalam and English: Pictures, Pronunciation and Kids Quiz
Looking for insects meaning in Malayalam? This child-friendly visual dictionary teaches 100 insect names in English and Malayalam, with easy Roman pronunciation, category audio, pictures, printable practice and a ten-question quiz.
Published: 4 June 2024 · Last updated: 22 August 2026 · About 15–20 minutes
What is “insect” in Malayalam?
Insect in Malayalam is commonly expressed as പ്രാണി (praani). The scientific/formal word ഷഡ്പദം (shadpadam) is also used. For the plural “insects,” you may hear പ്രാണികൾ (praanikal) or കീടങ്ങൾ (keedangal). Note that keedam may imply a pest, while not every insect is harmful.
Before you learn: what counts as an insect?
An adult insect normally has six legs, three main body regions—head, thorax and abdomen—and one pair of antennae. Spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, centipedes and millipedes are related invertebrates, but they are not insects.
How this list handles Malayalam names
Everyday insects often have familiar Malayalam names, but some specialised species do not have one universally used Malayalam common name. We therefore label each entry as a common Malayalam name, a clear descriptive Malayalam name, or a Malayalam-script transliteration. Regional usage can vary, so scientific or agricultural use should be checked with a qualified entomologist.
1. Common insects around us
Start with these high-frequency insects meaning in Malayalam entries. Tap the category audio, look at each picture and say the Malayalam word aloud.
| # | Picture | English | Malayalam | Pronunciation | Name type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Ant | ഉറുമ്പ് | urumbuoo-rum-bu | Common Malayalam name |
| 2 |  | Mosquito | കൊതുക് | kothukuko-thu-ku | Common Malayalam name |
| 3 |  | Housefly | വീട്ടീച്ച | veetteechavee-ttee-cha | Common Malayalam name |
| 4 |  | Cockroach | പാറ്റ | paattapaa-tta | Common Malayalam name |
| 5 |  | Termite | ചിതൽ | chithalchi-thal | Common Malayalam name |
| 6 |  | Butterfly | ചിത്രശലഭം | chithrashalabhamchi-thra-sha-la-bham | Common Malayalam name |
| 7 |  | Moth | നിശാശലഭം | nishaashalabhamni-shaa-sha-la-bham | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 8 |  | Beetle | വണ്ട് | vanduvan-du | Common Malayalam name |
| 9 |  | Firefly | മിന്നാമിനുങ്ങ് | minnaaminungumin-naa-mi-nu-ngu | Common Malayalam name |
| 10 |  | Bed bug | മൂട്ട | moottamoo-tta | Common Malayalam name |
2. Ants, bees and wasps
| # | Picture | English | Malayalam | Pronunciation | Name type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 |  | Red ant | ചുവന്ന ഉറുമ്പ് | chuvanna urumbuchu-van-na oo-rum-bu | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 12 |  | Black ant | കറുത്ത ഉറുമ്പ് | karutha urumbuka-ru-tha oo-rum-bu | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 13 |  | Weaver ant | നെയ്ത്തുറുമ്പ് | neythurumbuney-thu-rum-bu | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 14 |  | Carpenter ant | കാർപെന്റർ ഉറുമ്പ് | carpenter urumbukaar-pen-ter oo-rum-bu | Malayalam transliteration |
| 15 |  | Fire ant | തീ ഉറുമ്പ് | thee urumbuthee oo-rum-bu | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 16 |  | Honey bee | തേനീച്ച | theneechathe-neee-cha | Common Malayalam name |
| 17 |  | Bumblebee | ബംബിൾബീ | bumblebeebum-bil-bee | Malayalam transliteration |
| 18 |  | Carpenter bee | മരത്തേനീച്ച | maratheneechama-ra-the-neee-cha | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 19 |  | Paper wasp | പേപ്പർ വാസ്പ് | paper wasppay-per waasp | Malayalam transliteration |
| 20 |  | Hornet | വലിയ കടന്നൽ | valiya kadannalva-li-ya ka-dan-nal | Descriptive Malayalam |
3. Butterflies, moths and larvae
| # | Picture | English | Malayalam | Pronunciation | Name type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 |  | Caterpillar | ശലഭപ്പുഴു | shalabhappuzhusha-la-bha-ppu-zhu | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 22 |  | Silkworm | പട്ടുനൂൽപ്പുഴു | pattunoolpuzhupa-ttu-nool-pu-zhu | Common Malayalam name |
| 23 |  | Swallowtail butterfly | വാലൻ ചിത്രശലഭം | vaalan chithrashalabhamvaa-lan chi-thra-sha-la-bham | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 24 |  | Common grass yellow | മഞ്ഞപ്പുൽ ചിത്രശലഭം | manjappul chithrashalabhamman-ja-ppul chi-thra-sha-la-bham | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 25 |  | Blue tiger butterfly | നീലക്കടുവ ചിത്രശലഭം | neelakkaduva chithrashalabhamnee-la-kka-du-va chi-thra-sha-la-bham | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 26 |  | Monarch butterfly | മൊണാർക്ക് ചിത്രശലഭം | monarch chithrashalabhammo-naark chi-thra-sha-la-bham | Malayalam transliteration |
| 27 |  | Atlas moth | അറ്റ്ലസ് നിശാശലഭം | atlas nishaashalabhamat-las ni-shaa-sha-la-bham | Malayalam transliteration |
| 28 |  | Hawk moth | പരുന്ത് നിശാശലഭം | parunthu nishaashalabhampa-run-thu ni-shaa-sha-la-bham | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 29 |  | Clothes moth | വസ്ത്ര നിശാശലഭം | vasthra nishaashalabhamvas-thra ni-shaa-sha-la-bham | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 30 |  | Bagworm moth | സഞ്ചിപ്പുഴു നിശാശലഭം | sanchippuzhu nishaashalabhamsan-chi-ppu-zhu ni-shaa-sha-la-bham | Descriptive Malayalam |
4. Beetles
| # | Picture | English | Malayalam | Pronunciation | Name type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 |  | Ladybird beetle | ലേഡിബേർഡ് വണ്ട് | ladybird vandulay-dee-berd van-du | Malayalam transliteration |
| 32 |  | Rhinoceros beetle | കൊമ്പൻവണ്ട് | kombanvandukom-ban-van-du | Common Malayalam name |
| 33 |  | Coconut rhinoceros beetle | തെങ്ങിൻ കൊമ്പൻവണ്ട് | thengin kombanvanduthen-gin kom-ban-van-du | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 34 |  | Dung beetle | ചാണകവണ്ട് | chaanakavanduchaa-na-ka-van-du | Common Malayalam name |
| 35 |  | Stag beetle | സ്റ്റാഗ് വണ്ട് | stag vandustaag van-du | Malayalam transliteration |
| 36 |  | Longhorn beetle | നീളൻകൊമ്പ് വണ്ട് | neelankombu vandunee-lan-kom-bu van-du | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 37 |  | Ground beetle | നിലവണ്ട് | nilavanduni-la-van-du | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 38 |  | Leaf beetle | ഇലവണ്ട് | ilavandui-la-van-du | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 39 |  | Click beetle | ക്ലിക്ക് വണ്ട് | click vanduklik van-du | Malayalam transliteration |
| 40 |  | Weevil | മൂക്കൻവണ്ട് | mookkanvandumoo-kkan-van-du | Descriptive Malayalam |
5. Flies, gnats and midges
| # | Picture | English | Malayalam | Pronunciation | Name type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 |  | Fruit fly | പഴഈച്ച | pazhaeechapa-zha-ee-cha | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 42 |  | Blowfly | ബ്ലോഫ്ലൈ | blowflyblo-flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 43 |  | Horsefly | കുതിരഈച്ച | kuthiraeechaku-thi-ra-ee-cha | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 44 |  | Hoverfly | ഹോവർഫ്ലൈ | hoverflyho-ver-flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 45 |  | Crane fly | ക്രെയിൻ ഫ്ലൈ | crane flykrayn flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 46 |  | Drain fly | ഡ്രെയിൻ ഫ്ലൈ | drain flydrayn flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 47 |  | Fungus gnat | ഫംഗസ് ഗ്നാറ്റ് | fungus gnatfan-gus nat | Malayalam transliteration |
| 48 |  | Midge | മിഡ്ജ് | midgemij | Malayalam transliteration |
| 49 |  | Sand fly | മണൽഈച്ച | manaleechama-nal-ee-cha | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 50 |  | Black fly | ബ്ലാക്ക് ഫ്ലൈ | black flyblak flai | Malayalam transliteration |
6. Jumping and camouflaged insects
| # | Picture | English | Malayalam | Pronunciation | Name type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 |  | Grasshopper | പുൽച്ചാടി | pulchaadipul-chaa-di | Common Malayalam name |
| 52 |  | Locust | വെട്ടുക്കിളി | vettukkilive-ttu-kki-li | Common Malayalam name |
| 53 |  | Cricket | മണ്ണട്ട | mannattaman-na-tta | Regional Malayalam name |
| 54 |  | Mole cricket | മോൾ ക്രിക്കറ്റ് | mole cricketmohl kri-ket | Malayalam transliteration |
| 55 |  | Katydid | കാറ്റിഡിഡ് | katydidkaa-ti-did | Malayalam transliteration |
| 56 |  | Cicada | ചീവീട് | cheeveeduchee-vee-du | Common Malayalam name |
| 57 |  | Praying mantis | തൊഴുകൈയ്യൻ പ്രാണി | thozhukaiyyan praanitho-zhu-kai-yyan praa-ni | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 58 |  | Stick insect | കോലുപ്രാണി | kolupraaniko-lu-praa-ni | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 59 |  | Leaf insect | ഇലപ്പ്രാണി | ilappraanii-la-ppraa-ni | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 60 |  | Earwig | ഇയർവിഗ് | earwigeer-wig | Malayalam transliteration |
7. True bugs and plant-feeding insects
| # | Picture | English | Malayalam | Pronunciation | Name type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 |  | Stink bug | നാറ്റപ്രാണി | naattapraaninaa-tta-praa-ni | Common Malayalam name |
| 62 |  | Shield bug | കവചപ്രാണി | kavachapraanika-va-cha-praa-ni | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 63 |  | Assassin bug | വേട്ടപ്രാണി | vettapraanivay-tta-praa-ni | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 64 |  | Water strider | വെള്ളച്ചാട്ടി | vellachaadivel-la-chaa-di | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 65 |  | Giant water bug | വലിയ ജലപ്രാണി | valiya jalapraaniva-li-ya ja-la-praa-ni | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 66 |  | Leafhopper | ഇലച്ചാടി | ilachaadii-la-chaa-di | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 67 |  | Planthopper | ചെടിച്ചാടി | chedichaadiche-di-chaa-di | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 68 |  | Treehopper | മരച്ചാടി | marachaadima-ra-chaa-di | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 69 |  | Aphid | ചെടിപ്പേൻ | chedippenche-di-ppen | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 70 |  | Whitefly | വെള്ളീച്ച | velleeechavel-lee-cha | Descriptive Malayalam |
8. Tiny insects and parasites
| # | Picture | English | Malayalam | Pronunciation | Name type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 |  | Scale insect | ചെതുമ്പുപ്രാണി | chethumbupraaniche-thum-bu-praa-ni | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 72 |  | Mealybug | മീലിബഗ് | mealybugmee-li-bag | Malayalam transliteration |
| 73 |  | Thrips | ത്രിപ്സ് | thripsthrips | Malayalam transliteration |
| 74 |  | Louse | പേൻ | penpayn | Common Malayalam name |
| 75 |  | Flea | ചെള്ള് | chelluchel-lu | Common/regionally variable name |
| 76 |  | Booklouse | പുസ്തകപ്പേൻ | pusthakappenpus-tha-ka-ppen | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 77 |  | Barklouse | മരത്തൊലിപ്പേൻ | maratholippenma-ra-tho-li-ppen | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 78 |  | Silverfish | വെള്ളിമീൻ പ്രാണി | vellimeen praanivel-li-meen praa-ni | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 79 |  | Bristletail | ബ്രിസിൽടെയിൽ | bristletailbri-sil-tail | Malayalam transliteration |
| 80 |  | Webspinner | വെബ്സ്പിന്നർ | webspinnerweb-spin-ner | Malayalam transliteration |
9. Dragonflies and water-associated insects
| # | Picture | English | Malayalam | Pronunciation | Name type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 |  | Dragonfly | തുമ്പി | thumbithum-bi | Common Malayalam name |
| 82 |  | Damselfly | ചെറുതുമ്പി | cheruthumbiche-ru-thum-bi | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 83 |  | Mayfly | മേഫ്ലൈ | mayflymay-flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 84 |  | Stonefly | സ്റ്റോൺഫ്ലൈ | stoneflystohn-flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 85 |  | Caddisfly | കാഡിസ്ഫ്ലൈ | caddisflykaa-dis-flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 86 |  | Dobsonfly | ഡോബ്സൺഫ്ലൈ | dobsonflydob-son-flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 87 |  | Alderfly | ആൽഡർഫ്ലൈ | alderflyawl-der-flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 88 |  | Lacewing | ലേസ്വിംഗ് | lacewinglays-wing | Malayalam transliteration |
| 89 |  | Antlion | ഉറുമ്പുസിംഹം | urumbusimhamoo-rum-bu-sim-ham | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 90 |  | Mantidfly | മാന്റിഡ്ഫ്ലൈ | mantidflyman-tid-flai | Malayalam transliteration |
10. More fascinating insects
| # | Picture | English | Malayalam | Pronunciation | Name type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 |  | Scorpionfly | സ്കോർപിയൻഫ്ലൈ | scorpionflyskor-pee-an-flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 92 |  | Snakefly | സ്നേക്ക്ഫ്ലൈ | snakeflysnayk-flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 93 |  | Sawfly | സോഫ്ലൈ | sawflysaw-flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 94 |  | Potter wasp | കുശവൻ കടന്നൽ | kushavan kadannalku-sha-van ka-dan-nal | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 95 |  | Ichneumon wasp | ഇക്ന്യൂമൺ കടന്നൽ | ichneumon kadannalik-new-mon ka-dan-nal | Malayalam transliteration |
| 96 |  | Blister beetle | ബ്ലിസ്റ്റർ വണ്ട് | blister vandublis-ter van-du | Malayalam transliteration |
| 97 |  | Twisted-wing parasite | വളഞ്ഞചിറക് പരാദപ്രാണി | valanjachiraku paraadapraaniva-lan-ja-chi-ra-ku pa-raa-da-praa-ni | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 98 |  | Robber fly | കള്ളൻഈച്ച | kallaneechakal-lan-ee-cha | Descriptive Malayalam |
| 99 |  | Botfly | ബോട്ട്ഫ്ലൈ | botflybot-flai | Malayalam transliteration |
| 100 |  | Glowworm | മിന്നുംപുഴു | minnumpuzhumin-num-pu-zhu | Descriptive Malayalam |
How children can remember 100 insect names
1. See and say
Show one picture, say the English name and repeat the Malayalam word three times.
2. Learn five a day
Five words daily makes the full list manageable in 20 learning days.
3. Use a sentence
Try: ഇത് ഒരു തുമ്പിയാണ്. (Ithu oru thumbiyaanu.) — “This is a dragonfly.”
Children who are beginning with the script can first study the Malayalam letters. Next, practise with our Malayalam words for kids and Malayalam pronunciation tips.
Kids quiz: can you identify the insect?
Answer aloud before opening the answer. A score of 8/10 is excellent; review the list and try again if needed.
1. Which Malayalam word means “mosquito”?
Show answer
കൊതുക് (kothuku)
2. Which insect is മിന്നാമിനുങ്ങ്?
Show answer
Firefly
3. What is ഉറുമ്പ് in English?
Show answer
Ant
4. Which one is not an insect: butterfly, spider or ant?
Show answer
Spider
5. What is തുമ്പി in English?
Show answer
Dragonfly
6. Which insect makes honey?
Show answer
Honey bee — തേനീച്ച
7. What can a caterpillar become?
Show answer
A butterfly or moth
8. How many legs does an adult insect have?
Show answer
Six
9. What is ചിതൽ in English?
Show answer
Termite
10. Which word means grasshopper?
Show answer
പുൽച്ചാടി (pulchaadi)
Free printable insect worksheets
Publisher note: Upload the referenced PDFs before enabling these download links. Also verify that every picture is licensed for web and worksheet use.
Continue learning Malayalam
- Explore animal names in Malayalam.
- Learn bird names in Malayalam and English.
- Build a stronger word bank with the Malayalam vocabulary guide.
- Check your current ability with the free Malayalam level test.
Want personalised support for your child? Explore online Malayalam classes for kids or book a demo class.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Malayalam meaning of insect?
The usual Malayalam word for insect is പ്രാണി (praani). In scientific contexts, ഷഡ്പദം (shadpadam)—literally “six-legged”—is also used.
What is the Malayalam word for insects?
“Insects” can be written as പ്രാണികൾ (praanikal) or കീടങ്ങൾ (keedangal), depending on context. കീടം can also suggest a pest, so it is not an exact label for every insect.
What is ant called in Malayalam?
Ant is ഉറുമ്പ് (urumbu) in Malayalam.
What is butterfly called in Malayalam?
Butterfly is ചിത്രശലഭം (chithrashalabham) in Malayalam.
What is mosquito called in Malayalam?
Mosquito is കൊതുക് (kothuku) in Malayalam.
Are spiders insects?
No. Spiders have eight legs and belong to the arachnids. Insects have six legs and three main body regions.
Why are some names transliterated?
Some specialised insects do not have one widely used everyday Malayalam name. For those entries, this guide gives the English name in Malayalam script and labels it as a transliteration instead of inventing a translation.
How can children learn these words?
Learn five words at a time: see the picture, hear the audio, repeat the Malayalam word, use it in a sentence and review it with the quiz.
Editorial notes and sources
This resource separates everyday Malayalam names from descriptive translations and transliterations. For taxonomy or pest-identification decisions, consult a trained specialist rather than relying only on a vocabulary page.
