Entomology Lecture Notes

Flashcards about Entomology lecture notes.

What are the major points about insects?

Insects are incredibly diverse, occur virtually everywhere, are critical to ecosystems and humanity, and are subject to extinction.

What is the Domain, Phylum, Sub-Phylum, and Class of Insects?

Eukarya, Arthropoda, Hexapoda, Insecta

How are insects defined?

Arthropods with 3 body segments, uniramous appendages (typically 6), one pair of antennae, and usually wings as adults.

What are insects differentiated by?

Anatomy and molecular.

What are the major functions of insects?

Integral component of food webs, pollinators, seed dispersal, biocontrol agents, waste removal, nutrient recycling, and cultural value.

What are the evolutionary origins of insects?

Emerged in Devonian after land plants, have a common ancestor, segmental fusion gave 3 'segments', and segments then specialised.

What are the different insect development pathways?

Ametabolous, Hemimetabolous, Holometabolous

What does 'Ametabolous' mean in insect development?

Nymphs look like adults, no wing development.

What does 'Hemimetabolous' mean in insect development?

Nymphs look like adults, wing development.

What does 'Holometabolous' mean in insect development?

Larvae look unlike adults, wing development.

What is revising our understanding of insect relationships?

Genomic molecular systematics is revising our understanding of insect relationships.

What are the names of ancient wingless insects?

Archaeognatha and Thysanura

What are Pterygota?

Insects with wings.

Name insects from the group 'PALEOPTERA'.

Ephemeroptera (mayfly) and Odonata (Dragonflies)

Name insects from the group 'POLYNEOPTERA'.

Orthoptera (Grasshoper), Mantodea (MAN-tis, Phasmatodeam (Sitck insect), Blattodea (cockroach)

What are the groups of True Bugs?

Hemiptera and Homoptera

What are Holometabola?

Insects with complete metamorphosis.

Name some insect groups that are part of the Holometabola.

Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Siphonaptera, Trichoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera

What are the physical structures of insects?

Exoskeletons, muscles attach inside the exoskeleton. To grow they have to shed their skin then quickly expand.

What are exoskeletons of insects comprised of?

Chitin

How do insects communicate and sense the environment?

Antennae = nose and ears, Tympanum = an ‘ear’, Sensilla = taste sensors, Compound eye = composed of ommatidia.

What are the mouthparts of an insect?

Mandibles, maxillae, labium, hypopharynx, labrum

What is the function of the Foregut in the insect digestive system?

Ingestion, storage, grinding, transport of food to midgut.

What is the function of the Midgut in the insect digestive system?

Enzymatic breakdown and nutrient absorption.

What is the function of the Hindgut in the insect digestive system?

H2O absorption, salts and other important minerals, discharge of droppings (frass) through anus.

What tubules do insects use as their excretory system?

Malpighian tubules.

What is the function of insect blood (haemolymph)?

Transports nutrients, hormones, enzymes etc., but not O2. Open circulatory system.

How do insects breath and exchange gases?

O2 enters & CO2 exits via spiracles and trachea.

What systems do insects use for reproduction?

Visual, pheromone cues

What does the insect nervous system comprised of?

Brain and ventral ganglia.

Do insects rely on microbes?

All insects rely on microbes for their proper function.

What are some cultural management strategies for insects?

Variety selection, land management systems, rotation crops, burning, corridors for enemies, smoke

What are some physical management strategies for insects?

Exclusion (netting, screens, newspaper), squishing, flooding, solanisation

What are some biological management strategies for insects?

Natural enemies (insects, nematodes, spiders, mites, fungi etc.), endotoxins, male sterilisation.

What are some chemical management strategies for insects?

Nervous system, digestive system, contact, systemic, different modes of action, natural products

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Uses an appropriate mixture of different management methods. Based on monitoring, identification, records and economic thresholds.

What are the conclusions made about insects?

Insects conquered the land and air. Critical services to agroecosystems.