5 Far Side Insect Comics That Are Pure Gold

Gary Larson may have studied biology in college, but he spent his career turning tiny critters into punch‑line powerhouses. If you ever needed a reminder that insects can be just as witty as humans, the Far Side’s bug‑themed panels are the place to start.

1. Fireflies (May 22 1986) – A lone beetle peers out of a window with binoculars, watching a group of fireflies flash their lights across the street. The caption? A simple, dead‑pan “Don’t tell the moths” that lands as a perfect mix of curiosity and mischief.

2. Nukes (January 4 1984) – While humanity is wiped out in the background, a cheerful swarm of insects carries on, sipping nectar and humming away. Larson even quoted the strip to 20/20: “Down deep inside, no I don’t… but I’ve never met an Irish Setter I didn’t like.” The absurd contrast is what makes it unforgettable.

3. Pupa (August 2 1980) – A camper, half‑asleep in a sleeping bag, awakens to discover he’s transformed into an enormous, moth‑like creature. The joke rides on the audience’s knowledge of the pupal stage, turning a sleepy night into an unexpected metamorphosis.

4. Entomologists (January 30 1985) – Two dead insects lie curled on their backs, legs tucked inward. The caption reads, “The only thing that ever stopped a true‑hearted entomologist.” It’s a tongue‑in‑cheek nod to the dedication (and occasional obsession) of bug lovers.

5. The Final Bug‑Blast (late‑1980s) – In this lesser‑known panel, a trio of bedbugs holds a midnight conference, plotting a “night‑time takeover” of a sleepy household. The joke lands on the universal dread of those tiny pests, delivering a laugh that feels both personal and timeless.

Beyond the laughs, Larson’s love for the natural world earned him some scientific kudos. Biologists have actually named a few species after him – a louse (Strigiphilus garylarsoni), a beetle (Garylarsonus), and even a moth (Serratoterga larsoni). It’s a rare honor for a cartoonist, and a delicious reminder that great humor can cross into real‑world science.

So whether you’re a seasoned entomology nerd or just someone who enjoys a good chuckle, these five Far Side strips showcase why Gary Larson’s bug humor remains fresh, bite‑size, and undeniably brilliant.