Entomology

Dragonflies

Order: Odonata

Suborder: Anisoptera

Damselflies

Order: Odonata

Suborder: Zygoptera

Earwigs (Earwings)

Order: Dermaptera

Mayflies

EPT GROUP

Order: Ephemeroptera

Caddies

EPT GROUP

Order: Trichoptera

Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids

Order: Orthoptera

Butterflies & Moths

Order: Lepidoptera

Beetles

Order: Coleoptera

“True bugs” Stink bugs, Aphids, Cicadas

Order: Hemiptera

Flies

Order: Diptera

Ants, Bees, Honets, Wasps, Ichneumonoids

Order: Hymenoptera

Honey Bee

Hymenoptera Apis Mellifera

Paleoptera

“Old wing” An ancient group of insects within the Class Insecta. Dragonflies and Mayflies are part of this group, they are also missing the ability to fold wings over their abdomen.

Neoptera

“New wing” A more recent group of insects that can fold their wings over their abdomen.

Hamulate Coupling

A toothed structure that connects the forewings and hindwings of insects, allowing them to function as a single aerodynamic surface during flight.

Amplexiform Coupling

A type of wing coupling mechanism in insects where the forewings and hindwings overlap extensively, increasing the wing area and aerodynamic efficiency during flight.

Integument

The outer protective layer of an insect, including the cuticle. It provides physical protection and helps prevent water loss.

Ecdysis

The process of molting the exoskeleton in insects and other arthropods. It allows the insect to grow by shedding its rigid outer layer and forming a new, larger one.

Exuviae

The cast-off skin after molting in insects and other arthropods.

Spiracles

The external openings of the respiratory system in insects. These openings allow air to enter the trachea, facilitating gas exchange.

Trachea

Network of tubes that branch throughout the insect body, delivering oxygen directly to cells and tissues. They are connected to the outside through spiracles.

Tracheole

The fine terminal branches of the tracheal system in insects. They extend to individual cells, facilitating direct oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal.

Open Circulatory System

Hemolymph is not confined to vessels but circulates freely

Hemolymph

The insect equivalent of blood, does not transport oxygen, only vitamins and nutrients.

Heart and Dorsal Vessel

The insect heart is a dorsal vessel that runs along the back (dorsal) side of the insect. It is a simple tube-like structure with valves that pump hemolymph forward.

Antennae

Used as primary olfactory receptors (smell) and chemoreception (taste)

Holometabolous

Complete metamorphosis: Egg>Larva> Pupa>Adult

Hemimetabolous

Half metamorphosis: Egg>Nymph>Adult