Insect Comics with Real Bug Photos – Single-Panel Humor by Bernie Paquette

Comics by Bernie and Nature! 

   Captions by Bernie. Imagery by Nature. 

Proudly sponsored by the Insect Alliance and our cherished pollinators. 

"Insects Take the Spotlight in These Single-Panel Comics"

Discover a whimsical world where real insects take center stage! Created by naturalist Bernie Paquette, these buggy-centric comics blend observation, science, and humor to inspire curiosity about the tiny creatures that shape our world. Ideal for nature lovers, students, and anyone fascinated by real-life bugs.

 #198, 9/13/2025

Why do they call you a weed, Joe Pye?

All my butterfly cousins think you are gorgeous and tasty. What's a weed anyway?

The name "Joe Pye weed" likely comes from Joseph Shauquethqueat, a respected Mahican chief and herbalist from the 18th and early 19th centuries who was known by the nickname "Joe Pye". He was credited with using the plant to treat fevers, particularly typhus, and other ailments.

Plant native perennials and grasses. Your yard will come alive with color, attracting all sorts of birds, butterflies, native bees, and many other pollinators. 

Also, remember it takes caterpillars to make butterflies. It takes caterpillars to feed baby birds. Where do many caterpillars overwinter?  Many of them overwinter in the leaves on the ground.

 

Leave the leaves where they fall, or if you must rake them, place them under your trees. 

#197, 9/6/2025

As drought persists, Frog Legs farmers in Vermont are hurting

Can you tell me where the nearest watering hole is?

Just follow the cows.

Without enough water, the cows can't make milk.

And frogs can't grow their legs. 

#196, 8/30/2025

End of Summer: That Bites!

You're telling me. I am feeling worn, tired, frayed, and a bit chewed upon. 

#195, 8/23/2025

Tattoo on Wings

I like landing on somebody from time to time, now I want to take it up a notch. I'm excited about being on someone's body permanently. View my colored self at Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma). My efforts aim to answer the question, "How do we get people to be into nature and to come to see us outside?"

Read: Vermont Butterfly Big Year Takes Flight And e-butterfly

#194, 8/16/2025

Joe Pye, what good are you? You are such a WEED!

TASTE GOOD TO ME

This towering, showy perennial (JOE PYE weed, (Eutrochium spp.)) is a powerhouse nectar plant, drawing in a wide variety of butterflies and other pollinators. Monarchs, Swallowtails, Gulf and Variegated Fritillaries, Skippers, Red Admirals, Red-Spotted Purples, American Ladies, and many more delight in its blooms.  It provides a valuable late-season source of nectar and pollen for these insects, particularly during their migration. Additionally, the plant's foliage can serve as a food source for some butterfly caterpillars. 

#193, 8/9/2025

 When your heart's on fire

You must realize that smoke gets in your eyes.

It's not my heart that is on fire, it's the Canadian forests. 

Hazy smoke gets in my eyes.

 How am I supposed to find my way to Mexico?

#192, 8/2/2025

HandStand

HANDSTAND WHILE EATING: TAIL UP HEAD DOWN. CAN BE MESSY IF YOU ARE EATING A BOWL OF CERAL AT THE SAME TIME! 

#191, 7/26/2025

Bee Secret: They love popcorn

Unfortunately, popcorn sticks in between their teeth, too!

 #190, 7/19/2025

Forget about kissing the frog - he's no Prince. 

Kiss me and I'll turn into a handsome Viceroy butterfly."

(pause)

 Okay... full disclosure: I'll turn into a Viceroy butterfly either way." 

View past bug-inspired Comics in Volume I (The best),  Volume II, Volume III,

Volume IV, Volume V, Volume VI, and Volume VII.