Insect Orders

Diptera

Insects with only a single pair of wings

Orthoptera

two pairs of wings, hind legs usually enlarged used for hopping or front pair designed for grasping prey

Dermaptera

insects with pincher-like structures on abdomen

Coeloptera

Two pair of wings, 1st pair forms hard protective shell & forms a straight line down the back medial surface of the abdomen

Hemiptera

two pair of wings, 1st pair forms a leathery protection shield, while the second pair are membranous and form an “X” on the back of the abdomen

Lepidoptera

two pair of wings made of the same material. Wings are covered with scales that rub off easily

Homoptera

small insects with soft plump body with soft head. Wings slope down from the body when at rest

Hymenoptera

social insects found in large numbers within hives or colonies. Narrow pinched in “waist” between thorax and abdomen. Ability to sting used for protection

Ephemeroptera

two or three long thread-like tails extending from the posterior end of the abdomen

Odonata

two pair of wings about the same size and shape acting independently. Antenna are short and not obvious

Neuroptera

head with long antenna and large pincer like jaws used to capture prey items

Isoptera

soft bodied insects, usually social, abdomen usually has two short tails protruding from the posterior end of the abdomen

Siphonaptera

tiny parasitic insect with body laterally flattened. Ability to hop with its hind legs

Thysanura

delicate, soft bodies with powdery scales. The abdomen have long jointed threadlike tails and antenna