Basics Flashcards
Describe the general configuration of an insect.
What are the main functions of the insect head? What structures are attached to it?
What are antennae used for?
Describe the 3 parts of an antenna.
What typically covers the surface of antennae?
What are the 2 types of insect eyes, and what do they do?
Describe the structure of an insect eye
Name and describe the 4 components that make up the mouthparts of every insect.
What are the 4 basic functional configurations of mouthparts?
What are the 2 major types of mouthparts?
all types of mouthparts include mandibles, not just mandibulate!
What is the main function of the thorax and what is attached to it?
What are the 3 segments of the thorax?
What is attached to each one?
Describe the 5 components of insect legs.
What is special about the 5th one?
Name some types of functional specializations of insect legs. Use appropriate terminology.
What are the proper terms for the front and hind wings? Where (specifically) are they attached?
Describe the 5 types of wing modifications in insects. Say what groups have them if possible.
What functions are contained in an insect’s abdomen?
What part of the respiratory system is also present on the exterior of the abdomen?
Are there legs present on the abdomen?
What are prolegs?
What are caudal appendages?
Describe 3 types of caudal appendages using appropriate terms.
What are the 2 features that make the insect exoskeleton hard, yet flexible?
What are the two primary components that make up the exoskeleton material?
What additional types structures may be present on the body wall?
Describe the insect circulatory system using these terms:
dorsal vessel
dorsal aorta
ostia
haemolymph
Describe the layout and function of the insect respiratory system using appropriate terminology.
Describe the layout and function of the insect nervous system using appropriate terminology.
Describe the 3 sections of the insect digestive system.
What does this diagram represent with respect to insects?
What is the most notable difference between the insect reproductive system and that of “higher” organisms?
What are the advantages to female insects being able to store sperm in her spermatheca?
How does this affect population growth?
Describe these 4 reproductive terms that apply to insects
Parthenogenesis
Oviparous
Ovoviviparous
Paedogenesis
Why is temperature so important to insects?
Describe this chart.
What are 2 adaptations insects have evolved to help with temperature?
By what mechanism do insects grow (2 terms)?
Why do they have to do this?
What happens to the insects parts during a molt?
What is left behind?
What are 2 terms to describe the insect after it emerges from a molt?
midgut is the only part not replaced
What are 5 biotic and 2 abiotic factors that influence molting?
What is it called when molting only results in a change in body size?
What are 3 terms used to describe a molt that increases body size and also adds wings?
What are the new wings called when they begin to form?
What are the 3 main stages of this lifecycle?
What are 2 terms used to describe a molt that results in a complete change in body form?
What are the 4 stages of this life cycle?
What happens during the 3rd stage?
Describe the terms ‘Instar’ and ‘Stadium’
Describe hemimetabolous development in general terms.
stages
wing development
resting stage
nymph/adult comparison (form, resource needs)
Describe holometabolous development in general terms.
stages
wing develoment
resting stage
larva/adult comparison (form, resource needs)
Name 5 orders that undergo hemimetabolous development.
Name 5 orders that undergo holometabolous development.
What evolutionary reasons do insects have for going through metamorphosis, given how vulnerable they are during that time?
some insects time resting stages of development to coincide with dormant seasons, etc.
Name and describe 2 types of resting stages that insects undergo.
