Entomology Flashcards - Hemimetabolous Orders II

Hemimetabolous Orders II - Study Notes

Order Mantodea (Mantids)

Mantids have raptorial front legs, triangular heads, large compound eyes, and chewing mouthparts. Masters of camouflage and ambush predators. Exhibit unusual mating behavior (sexual cannibalism). Lay eggs in oothecae.

Order Blattodea (Cockroaches)

Cockroaches have a flattened body, long antennae, tegmina (leathery forewings), and cursorial

legs. Most are herbivores/scavengers. Only ~30 species are associated with humans; few are pests. Lifecycle includes ootheca. Can be allergens and disease vectors.

Infraorder Isoptera (Termites)

Termites are eusocial insects forming complex colonies with kings, queens, workers, and soldiers.

Have equal-sized wings in reproductive stage, and broad waist (unlike ants). Digest cellulose with microbial symbionts or fungi. Found underground or in wood (drywood vs. subterranean).

Order Thysanoptera (Thrips)

Thrips have fringe-like wings, short legs, and asymmetrical mouthparts (only left mandible

functions). Can reproduce via parthenogenesis. Undergo a unique metamorphosis with 2 feeding nymph stages followed by 2 nonfeeding ones (prepupa/pupa-like), then winged adult.

Hemimetabolous Orders III - Study Notes

Order Hemiptera Overview

Hemipterans have piercing-sucking mouthparts sheathed in a modified labium forming a proboscis. They feed by piercing tissues and sucking liquids. Some have modified guts (filter chambers) to process plant sap and excrete honeydew quickly.

Suborder Auchenorrhyncha (Cicadas, Leafhoppers, Treehoppers, Aphids)

Includes cicadas, treehoppers, leafhoppers, aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, and mealybugs.

Common traits: roof-like wings, plant feeders, honeydew producers. Some show complex behaviors like ant mutualism and parthenogenesis. Aphids can transmit plant diseases. Cicadas have synchronized emergence based on prime number cycles.

Suborder Heteroptera (True Bugs)

True bugs with long antennae and hemelytra (half-membranous wings). Diverse feeding strategies: plant feeders, predators, and blood feeders. Includes water striders, water boatmen, giant water bugs, assassin bugs (e.g., kissing bugs), stink bugs, and bed bugs. Some species are major pests or disease vectors (e.g., Chagas disease from kissing bugs).