Entomology Lecture Notes

This set of flashcards is designed to help review key vocabulary and concepts related to entomology, particularly focusing on insect orders, life cycles, and characteristics.

Holometabola

A group of insects characterized by complete metamorphosis, including distinct larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Megaloptera

An order of insects that includes alderflies and dobsonflies, known for their aquatic larvae and complete metamorphosis.

Raphidioptera

An order of insects commonly known as snakeflies, characterized by their long necks and morphological adaptations for predation.

Neuroptera

An order of insects that includes lacewings and antlions, known for their complex and net-like wing venation.

Metamorphosis

The process by which insects undergo a transformation from larva to adult, including distinct stages of development.

Zygentoma

An order of wingless insects that includes silverfish and firebrats, characterized by elongated bodies and compound eyes.

Odonata

An order of insects that includes dragonflies and damselflies, known for their predacious behavior and large, multi-colored wings.

Antlion

The larval stage of insects in the family Myrmeleontidae, known for their pit-building behavior to capture prey.

Siphonaptera

An order of insects commonly known as fleas, characterized by their wingless bodies and ability to jump.

Insecta

A class of arthropods with a segmented body, exoskeleton, and three pairs of legs, comprising the vast majority of animal species.

Larvae

The immature form of an insect that undergoes metamorphosis, often distinct in appearance and behavior from the adult form.

Pupal Case

The protective casing formed during the pupal stage of holometabolous insects where transformation into the adult occurs.

Venation

The arrangement or pattern of veins in the wings of insects, crucial for identification and classification.

Compound Eyes

Eyes made up of numerous small visual units, providing a wide field of vision and the ability to detect motion.

Pheromones

Chemical substances produced and released into the environment by an animal, affecting the behavior of other members of the same species.

Feeding Habits

Refers to the dietary patterns of insects, including their preferred food sources and methods of feeding.