Final Aquatic Entomology

Cuticle

Insect exoskeleton providing protection, support, water balance, and muscle attachment.

Epicuticle

Thin outer waxy layer that is waterproof, prevents desiccation, and protects against chemicals and pathogens.

Exocuticle

Hardened (sclerotized) layer providing strength and protection.

Endocuticle

Thick, flexible layer that allows movement.

Labrum

Upper lip of an insect that helps hold food.

Mandibles

Jaw-like structures used for crushing and cutting food.

Maxillae

Insect mouthparts that manipulate food for sorting particles and holding prey.

Labium

Lower lip of an insect, modified for feeding.

Hypopharynx

Tongue-like structure in insects that moves food and mixes saliva.

Pneustic Respiration

Involves using atmospheric oxygen with adaptations for different aquatic environments.

Apneustic Respiration

Respiration method with no atmospheric connection, including cutaneous and gill respiration.

Voltinism

The number of generations produced per year: multivoltine, univoltine, and semivoltine.

Ametabolous

Developmental stage characterized by egg → juvenile → adult.

Hemimetabolous

Developmental stage characterized by egg → nymph → adult.

Holometabolous

Developmental stage characterized by egg → larva → pupa → adult.

Diapause

A dormant period that helps insects survive unfavorable conditions.

Synchronous Emergence

Many individuals emerge together, providing advantages against predation.

Development Speed: Fast Seasonal

Rapid development in temporary waters.

Shredders

Functional feeding group that consumes leaves and decomposing organic matter.

Collector-Gatherers

Functional feeding group that collects deposited particles.

Collector-Filterers

Functional feeding group that filters suspended particles.

Scrapers/Grazers

Functional feeding group that eats algae.

Predators

Functional feeding group that captures and consumes other animals.

Clingers

Insects adapted to stay attached to substrates in fast currents.

Sprawlers

Insects that live on soft sediment.

Burrowers

Insects that dig into the substrate.

Swimmers

Insects that move through the water column.

Skaters

Insects that dwell on the water surface.

Flattened body

Morphological adaptation to reduce drag in aquatic environments.

Streamlined body

Morphological adaptation for efficient swimming.

Dispersal Methods

Mechanisms by which insects move or are carried from one location to another: adult flight, passive drift, resistant eggs.

Cold-water specialists

Insects that require high oxygen levels, indicative of good water quality.

Warm-water tolerant

Insects that can survive in conditions of low oxygen.

Adaptations for Fast Water

Physical traits of insects such as flattened bodies and hooks to thrive in fast-flowing aquatic environments.

Major Order Adaptations

Key adaptations that facilitate survival and reproduction in various aquatic insect orders.