Some people love insects while others run away from them, but these close-up photos of a few insect species in the Thompson-Okanagan region arguably look more cute than scary.

With a zoomed in view, some of these insects and larva appear to smiling, with fuzzy faces and cartoon-like antennae.

A flying dragonfly is seen up close. — It looks like this dragonfly in Kamloops is smiling. SUBMITTED/Doug Giles

A fear of insects is called entomophobia and roughly 20 percent of people have some degree of it, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Also called acarophobia and insectophobia, the condition causes an anxious response to insects, often due to fear of being stung or bitten, or contracted with diseases and parasites the bug might carry.

These fears can come from traumatic experiences with insects or from growing up with someone who is afraid of them.

iN PHOTOS: Close-up captures of creepy crawlies with cute faces in Thompson-Okanagan | iNFOnews.ca — A swallowtail butterfly larva in Vernon has fake eyes. SUBMITTED/Shari McDowell

Research suggests the fear is rooted in an ancient survival mechanism, specifically developed in environments where bug-borne illness was a threat.

On the other hand, many people find the world of insects fascinating and enjoy interacting with them. They take close-up photos of them, providing captivating perspectives.

If you have a cool insect photo to share, send it to news@infonews.ca.