Insecta and Hexapoda Flashcards

Overview of Hexapoda and Insect Orders

• Subphylum Hexapoda characterized by 'six legs' and divided into three regions: Head, Thorax, Abdomen.
• Insects possess antennae, with some larvae (e.g., butterfly and moth) having false legs or prolegs.

Class Insecta

• Encompasses true insects with diverse adaptations and ecological roles.

Exoskeleton

• Insects have a tough outer shell that provides structure and protection.

Order Dermaptera

• Known as 'Skin wings', includes earwigs which have pinchers for defense and prey capture.
• Exhibits simple 'gradual' metamorphosis with chewing mouthparts.

Order Orthoptera

• Translates to 'Straight Wing', includes grasshoppers, crickets, locusts, and katydids.
• Notable for chewing mouthparts, powerful hind legs, and significance as serious plant pests involved in defoliation.

Defoliation

• The process of stripping leaves, often related to pest damage.

Orthopteroid Orders

• Comprises orders characterized by chewing mouthparts.

Families within Orthoptera

• Acrididae: Grasshoppers.
• Tettigoniidae: Katydids.
• Gryllidae: Crickets.

Order Mantodea

• Commonly known as mantids; known for their predatory behavior.

Order Blattodea

• Includes roaches and termites with simple 'gradual' metamorphosis and nocturnal behavior.
• Known to transmit diseases such as Streptococcus and Salmonella.

Families within Blattodea

• Blattidae: Orientals and American cockroaches.
• Blattellidae: German and wood cockroaches.

Order Thysanoptera

• Referred to as 'fringe wing', consists of thrips which have sucking mouthparts and are serious agricultural pests.

Hemipteroid Orders

• Characterized by sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding.

Mouthpart Types

• Chewing Mouthparts: Comprised of labrum, mandibles, maxillae, and labium for food manipulation, seen in Coleoptera and Orthoptera.
• Piercing/Sucking Mouthparts: Modified labrum and maxilla with needle-like stylets for salivary and food channels common in Hemiptera.
• Sponge-like Mouthparts: Proboscis adapted for soaking up food through capillary action, typical in Diptera.
• Tube-like Mouthparts: Proboscis designed for siphoning nectar or water in Lepidoptera adults.

Metamorphosis Types

• Complete Metamorphosis: Involves four distinct life stages (egg, larvae, pupae, adult) with larvae differing significantly from adults.
• Simple Metamorphosis: Consists of three stages (egg, nymph, adult) with nymphs resembling miniature adults.
• Gradual Metamorphosis: Terrestrial insects where nymphs and adults share a close resemblance, as seen in grasshoppers and Hemiptera.
• Ametamorphosis: Involves insects where nymphs and adults appear the same, with both lacking wings, e.g., silverfish.
• Incomplete Metamorphosis: Aquatic nymphs (naiads) differing from terrestrial adults, observed in species like dragonflies.

Explore the fascinating world of insects with these flashcards focused on the Hexapoda subphylum and Insecta class. Each card presents essential terms and definitions, helping you understand key concepts such as exoskeletons and body structure. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike!