Arthropods & Non-Insect “Bugs” – Lecture Summary

Broad Working Definition of “Bug”

  • Instructor is adopting the broad colloquial meaning of “bug.”
    • NOT restricted to the biological class Insecta.
    • Any small terrestrial arthropod or arthropod-like animal counts, e.g. roly-polies, velvet worms, ticks, scorpions, centipedes, millipedes, mites, spiders, etc.
    • Practical implication: when you pick a research/term-project organism, you may choose any of these.

Velvet Worms

  • Specifically pointed out as not insects.
  • Served as a reminder that the term “bug” is inclusive in this course context.

Roly-Poly / Pillbug / Woodlouse

  • Scientific identity: a crustacean, not an insect.
  • The only terrestrial crustacean commonly encountered.
  • Classification:
    • Phylum: Arthropoda
    • Subphylum: Crustacea
    • Order: Isopoda (isopods)
  • Students are free to pick roly-polies as their topic organism.

“You Will Become the Bug Person”

  • Anecdote: After taking this course, friends and neighbors will text you photos asking for IDs or asking “Do you want this?”
  • Social phenomenon: every cohort ends up with a designated “bug expert” in dorms/apartments.

Arthropod Body Plan Refresher

  • “Legs for every body segment” was alluded to.
    • Implies segmentation is a key taxonomic and functional trait.

Diplopoda (Millipedes)

  • Pronunciation: “dip-LO-po-da.”
  • Name etymology:
    • Prefix didi means “two.”
    • Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment.
  • Comparison with centipedes (Chilopoda) which have one pair per segment.

Letty the Bloodlady: Outreach & Petting Zoo

  • Persona who runs educational programs and birthday parties featuring arthropods.
  • Demonstrates the popularity of exotic invertebrates in public science communication.

Mythological Reference: Arachne vs. Athena

  • Arachne wove a tapestry depicting the gods’ and goddesses’ misdeeds (infidelity, scandals).
  • Her skill provoked comparisons that she was “better than Athena,” leading to a legendary contest.
    • Used as an engaging story to illustrate weaving and possibly spider silk analogy (not explicitly stated, but context suggests it).

College Life Analogy

  • Advice: roommates and friends may bring guests to stay over weekends.
  • Relates to vigilance against household pests or parasite transmission in shared living spaces.

Mites & Scabies Treatment

  • Over-the-counter or prescription lotion treatment is chemically similar to products used for yard spraying (“spray and rake”).
    • Likely active ingredient: permethrin or similar acaricide.
  • Life cycle details:
    • Mites emerge to the skin surface to mate, then burrow back in to lay eggs.
    • They feed on the connective tissue within your skin.

Tick Biology & Prevention

  • Habitat: tall grass and brush.
    • Longer grass height = higher tick density.
    • Management: mowing reduces vertical perches and lowers encounter probability.
  • Behavior: questing—ticks climb vegetation, extend forelegs, and latch onto passing hosts (deer, rabbits, squirrels, dogs, humans).
  • Preferred biting sites: where clothing constricts (waistband, sock line, armpits, etc.).
  • Personal anecdote: Instructor currently has a tick bite on the arm.

Scorpions & Centipedes

  • Mentioned in quick succession as additional non-insect arthropods covered in class.
  • Sets stage for forthcoming lectures on venom, predation, and arthropod diversity.

Media Spotlight: BBC “Life in Color”

  • Netflix series that showcases animal color adaptations.
  • UF faculty Dr. Lisa Taylor (teaches Spider Biology) and her work on jumping spiders were featured.
    • Reinforces the real-world impact and visibility of arthropod research.

Practical & Ethical Implications Discussed

  • Educating the public (petting zoos, TV appearances) demystifies and destigmatizes arthropods.
  • Personal responsibility as future “bug experts” to provide accurate, safe, and environmentally responsible advice.
  • Health relevance: understanding parasites (ticks, mites) helps in disease prevention and community wellness.