Vet Entomology 1-13

Discussion on the relevance of mites and ticks in relation to human and animal health.
Both mites and ticks are classified as arthropods but are distinct from insects.

Arthropods: A phylum that includes invertebrates characterized by an exoskeleton, segmented bodies, and jointed appendages.
Insects: A class within arthropods, defined as having three body segments (head, thorax, abdomen), six legs, compound eyes, and one pair of antennae.
Arachnids: Another class of arthropods that includes spiders, mites, ticks, and scorpions, distinguishable by having eight legs.

The course will cover arthropods affecting human and veterinary health, extending beyond insects to include arachnids.
Forensic Entomology: A relevant topic that will also be covered in the course despite not being a direct focus. This area is significant given the lack of dedicated courses at Penn State addressing it specifically.
Mention of related forensic science courses that may touch on insect projects, indicating that this course offers unique insights into forensic entomology.

Introduction of a quiz to engage students in identifying dangerous animals based on perceptions and media representations.
Students asked to reflect on what they consider to be the world's most dangerous animals.

Snakes: Commonly depicted as scary in horror films, such as those featuring pythons. Fear often arises from their venomous or constricting nature.
Sharks: Frequently featured in horror movies; evoke fear when people are in the ocean.
Spiders: Represented in various horror contexts; perceived danger despite statistical rarity of fatalities.
Alligators/Crocodiles: Featured in films, showcasing their predatory behavior.
Bears: Large mammals that captivate the imagination, often associated with fear and danger.
Dinosaurs: Not contemporary threats but part of the fearscape created by media.

Data Overview: Presenting statistics about human fatalities caused by various animals in the US.
The number of deaths per year by animal species:
- Wolves: 1 death every ten years
- Centipedes: 1 death every five years
- Scorpions: Occasional deaths, similar to bears and alligators
- Sharks: Approximately 1 death per year
- Mountain Lions: Similar frequency as sharks
- Rattlesnakes: 6 deaths annually among 330 million people
- Spiders: 7 deaths annually among 330 million people
- Cows: 22 deaths annually, highlighting underrepresented danger
- Dogs: 28 deaths annually, approximately 4 times more than spider-related fatalities.

Discussing the discrepancy between media representation of danger (e.g., snake and spider horror movies) versus actual fatality rates.
Emphasis on the fear of cows as being statistically more rational given their higher mortality rate than snakes or spiders.

Mosquitoes: Identified as the deadliest animal in the US due to their role as vectors for diseases such as West Nile virus, leading to an average of 80 deaths annually.
Mention of other diseases spread by mosquitoes such as encephalitis, yellow fever, and dengue fever.
Notable absence of mosquito horror movies in popular culture despite their lethal impact.

Acknowledgement that the US statistics reflect broader global trends where insects and invertebrates pose significant threats compared to large animals.
Worldwide Death Statistics:
- Sharks and Wolves: 10 deaths per year each
- Hippopotamus: Hundreds of deaths yearly, demonstrating a shift in perceived danger.
- Invertebrates: Including disease vectors and parasites recorded as major mortality factors.
- Comparative mention of human fatalities from violence (475,000 deaths annually) is less than those caused by mosquitoes.

Absence of resolution due to time constraints; a promise to return to the topic with further details in the next class.
Mention of an introductory video to be shown at the beginning of the next class to supplement this discussion.