Insect Orders Overview

Study Notes

Insect Orders Overview

Ephemeroptera:
- Commonly known as mayflies.
- Characterized by large, triangular forewings that cannot fold, held tent-like above the body when at rest.
Plecoptero:
- Soft-bodied insects similar to mayflies.
- Known for laying thousands of eggs.
Odonata:
- Includes dragonflies and damselflies.
- Features four elongated membranous wings with veins and very large compound eyes.
- Incomplete metamorphosis with aquatic naiads; dragonflies hold wings straight out, while damselflies hold them parallel to the body.
Phasmida:
- Consists of stick insects, sometimes classified under Orthoptera.
Blattodea:
- Comprises cockroaches; name derived from the Greek "blatta."
- Exhibits gradual metamorphosis with leathery, often reduced wings and chewing mouthparts.
- Omnivorous diet, cursorial legs enable fast running.
- Some species are household pests, mostly tropical and outdoor dwellers, with certain species displaying social behavior.
- Eggs are produced in "egg cases" called ootheca.
Mantodea:
- Known as praying mantids, signifying "soothsayer" or "prophet."
- Features gradual metamorphosis, leathery forewings, and raptorial front legs for predation.
- Lays eggs in ootheca.
Dermaptera:
- Commonly referred to as earwigs, with a name meaning "skin wing."
- Exhibits gradual metamorphosis, two pairs of wings (front pair leathery), and forceps-like cerci.
- Mostly omnivorous and can be considered nuisance pests.
Isoptera:
- Known as termites, meaning "equal wings," living in social groups with a caste system.
- Features gradual metamorphosis; worker termites lack wings.
- Chewing mouthparts; structural pests often aided by symbiotic microorganisms for cellulose digestion.
Thysanura:
- Comprises silverfish and firebrats, denoting "fringed tail."
- Flattened body covered with scales and lacks metamorphosis; primitively wingless.
- Equipped with chewing mouthparts and three "tails," serving as omnivores.
Diptera:
- True flies characterized by a single pair of wings and specialized sucking or piercing mouthparts.
Hemiptera:
- Known as true bugs; defined by their half wings and X-shaped marking on the back.
Neuroptera:
- Includes lacewings recognized for their membranous wings.
Coleoptera:
- Beetles identified by two horny wings and two membranous wings.
Siphonoptera:
- Comprises fleas, which are parasitic insects.
Lepidoptera:
- Encompasses butterflies and moths, distinguished by scaled wings and possessing a proboscis for sucking.
Trichoptera:
- Known as caddisflies, noted for their resemblance to Lepidoptera and recognized as one of the most diverse insect orders.
Hymenoptera:
- An order including bees and wasps, known for their complex social behaviors.
Orthoptera:
- Comprising grasshoppers and crickets, characterized by large back legs adapted for jumping.
Megaloptera:
- Meaning "large wing," includes dobsonflies and alderflies, with larvae featuring lateral filaments.

Description

Explore the fascinating diversity of insect orders with this quiz. Learn about the unique characteristics of Ephemeroptera, Odonata, and other groups. Test your knowledge on their features, habitats, and life cycles.