Insect Identification Flashcards
(333 cards)
1
Q
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Neuroptera?
A
- 2 pairs of wings, heavily netted
- Wings may be held tent-like over the body or folded over the abdomen
- Long, thread-like antennae
2
Q
Order?
A
Siphonaptera (fleas).
3
Q
Order?
A
Coleoptera.
4
Q
Order?
A
Coleoptera.
5
Q
Order?
A
Trichoptera.
6
Q
Which 3 groups of insects are included in order Megaloptera?
A
Dobsonflies, fishflies, and alderflies.
7
Q
Order?
A
Ephemeroptera.
8
Q
Order?
A
Coleoptera.
9
Q
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Psocoptera?
A
- Small (a fraction of an inch long)
- Distinct head, with threadlike antennae
- Narrow “neck” between head and thorax
10
Q
Order?
A
Orthoptera (katydid).
11
Q
Order?
A
Protura.
12
Q
Order?
A
Diptera.
13
Q
Order?
A
Mantodea.
14
Q
Order?
A
Mantodea.
15
Q
How do you tell the difference between a hymenopteran and a clear-winged moth (family Sessiidae)?
A
A moth will be covered in scales so that it has shaggy (not fuzzy or hairy) legs and fringes of scales along the edges of its wings.
16
Q
Which group of insects is included in order Mantodea?
A
Mantids.
17
Q
Order?
A
Hemiptera.
18
Q
How are sawflies different from other hymenopterans?
A
There is no narrowing of the abdomen where it meets the thorax (no “waist”).
19
Q
Which 2 groups of insects are included in order Odonata?
A
Dragonflies and damselflies.
20
Q
Order?
A
Odonata.
21
Q
What 2 characteristics can be used to identify order Phasmida?
A
- Resemble a twig, branch, or leaf
- Slow-moving
22
Q
Order?
A
Isoptera.
23
Q
Order?
A
Embiidina (or Embioptera).
24
Q
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Thysanoptera?
A
- Rod-shaped wings with fringe of hair
- Cylindrical body
- Found in flower heads or on plants
25
Order?
Neuroptera (antlion).
26
Order?
Isoptera.
27
What group of insects is included in order Ephemeroptera?
Mayflies.
28
What 5 characteristics can be used to identify order Siphonaptera?
* Always found on mammals (sometimes birds)
* Hard shell
* No wings
* Strong hind legs for jumping
* Piercing/sucking mouthparts
* (They're friggin' fleas)
29
Which groups of insects are included in order Coleoptera?
Fireflies, scarabs, weevils, ladybugs.... beetles!!
30
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Coleoptera?
* Chewing mouthparts
* Forewings often meet in a straight line down the back
* Forewings are a hard shell, covering hindwings
31
Which 2 features are good for identifying adults of order Plecoptera?
* Long **tails** (cerci)
* Long forewings, held **crossed** over the back
(Plecoptera are **stoneflies**; they also have long antennae, and a pair of hindwings protected under the folded forewings.)
32
Order?
Neuroptera (lacewing).
33
Order?
Lepidoptera.
34
Order?
Hymenoptera.
35
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Trichoptera?
* Wings and body covered in hair
* Wings held tent-like over the abdomen
* Caterpillar-like larvae that build cases
36
Order?
Diplura.
37
Order?
Hemiptera.
38
Order?
Grylloblattodea.
39
Order?
Phthiraptera.
40
Which 2 groups of insects are included in order Neuroptera?
Lacewings and antlions.
41
Order?
Ephemeroptera.
42
Order?
Coleoptera.
43
What group of insects is included in order Siphonaptera?
Fleas!!
44
Order?
Mantodea.
45
Order?
Raphidioptera.
46
Order?
Neuroptera (lacewing).
47
Order? Suborder?
Odonata; Zygoptera (damselflies).
48
Order?
Coleoptera.
49
Which groups of insects are included in order Diptera?
Flies, mosquitos, gnats, midges...
50
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Orthoptera?
* Long hindlegs specialized for jumping
* Thick (protective), slender forewings
* Membranous, fan-shaped hindwings
51
Order?
Raphidioptera.
52
Order?
Mecoptera.
53
Order?
Isoptera.
54
What group of insects is included in order Trichoptera?
Caddisflies.
55
Order?
Trichoptera.
56
Order?
Blattodea.
57
What 5 characteristics can be used to identify order Ephemeroptera?
* Triangular front wings, held up straight (sail-like) over body
* Much smaller hindwings
* 2-3 long threads ("tails") at end of abdomen
* Long front legs, held out in front
* No mouthparts in adults
58
Order?
Hemiptera.
59
Order? Family?
Hymenoptera; Formicidae (ants).
60
What 2 groups of insects are included in order Phasmida?
Walkingsticks and leaf insects.
61
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Mecoptera?
* 2 pairs of long, slender wings
* Elongated head, like a beak or snout
* Abdomen resembles a scorpion stinger
62
What 2 characteristics can be used to identify order Raphidioptera?
* Long, snake-like neck
* 2 pairs of membranous wings, folded over the abdomen at rest
63
Order?
Phasmida.
64
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Thysanura?
* Flat, tapered, segmented body
* Long, thread-like antennae
* 3 long cerci ("tails")
65
What 4 characteristics can be used to identify order Hymenoptera?
* 4 membranous wings
* Narrow waist (usually)
* Chewing mouthparts
* Stinger or ovipositor (females)
66
What group of insects is included in order Thysanoptera?
Thrips.
67
How can you tell the difference between butterflies and moths?
Butterflies have threadlike antennae, with knobbed or hooked tips; moth antennae have no distinct tip structures and are often feathered.
68
What 5 characteristics can be used to identify order Phthiraptera?
* No wings
* Eyes small or absent
* Short antennae
* Broad or conical head
* Found on birds and mammals (because they're *lice*, gross)
69
Which groups of insects are included in order Hymenoptera?
Ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies.
70
Order?
Diptera.
71
Order?
Phasmida.
72
Order?
Ephemeroptera.
73
Order?
Phasmida.
74
What group of insects is included in order Diplura?
Primitive bristletails.
75
Order? Suborder?
Odonata; Anisoptera (dragonflies).
76
What order do cicadas belong to?
Hemiptera.
77
What are the 2 suborders within order Orthoptera?
Caelifera (grasshoppers) and Ensifera (katydids and crickets).
78
What order do bedbugs belong to?
Hemiptera.
79
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Strepsiptera?
* Segmented, branching antennae
* Protruding eyes
* Large, fan-shaped hindwings, held twisted over the back at rest (males only - females are wingless)
80
Order?
Diptera.
81
What order do water striders belong to?
Hemiptera.
82
Order?
Orthoptera (Jerusalem cricket).
83
What 2 groups of insects are included in order Psocoptera?
Barklice and booklice.
84
Order?
Coleoptera.
85
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Mantodea?
* Elongated, folded forelegs ("praying")
* Triangular head
* Can turn head from side to side
86
What order do aphids belong to?
Hemiptera.
87
Order?
Megaloptera.
88
Order?
Plecoptera.
89
What 4 characteristics can be used to identify order Diplura?
* Small (2 inches or less)
* Mostly white
* No eyes
* 2 cerci at the end of the abdomen: long (tail-like) or short (pincer-like)
90
What 4 characteristics can be used to identify order Hemiptera?
* Piercing/sucking mouthparts
* Wings often crossed over each other
* Forewings half thick, half membranous
* Hindwings smaller, membranous
(Some are wingless!)
91
What 4 characteristics can be used to identify order Blattodea?
* Flat body
* Spiny legs
* Long antennae
* Protective shell covering most of the head and abdomen
* (it's a freaking cockroach!!)
92
Order?
Megaloptera.
93
Order?
Plecoptera.
94
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Odonata?
* Long, thin body
* Long, slender wings
* Short antennae
95
How can you tell barklice and booklice apart?
Barklice are ~0.5 inches long, usually have 2 pairs of wings, and usually live outdoors. Booklice are much smaller, wingless, and usually found indoors.
96
Order?
Isoptera.
97
Order?
Orthoptera.
98
Order?
Hymenoptera.
99
Order?
Coleoptera.
100
Order?
Ephemeroptera.
101
What group of insects is included in order Embioptera/Embiidina?
Webspinners.
102
Which family of moths mimic wasps and bees?
Sessiidae (clear-winged moths).
103
What group of insects is included in order Mecoptera?
Scorpionflies.
104
Order?
Archaeognatha.
105
Order?
Mecoptera.
106
Order?
Megaloptera.
107
Order?
Megaloptera.
108
What group of insects is included in order Grylloblattodea?
Rock/ice crawlers.
109
Order? Superfamily?
Hymenoptera; Apoidea (bees).
110
Order?
Coleoptera.
111
What group of insects is included in order Phthiraptera?
Biting and sucking lice.
112
Order?
Odonata.
113
Order?
Plecoptera.
114
Order?
Coleoptera.
115
Which groups of insects are included in order Orthoptera?
Grasshoppers, crickets, locusts, and katydids.
116
What is the difference between ants (family Formicidae) and bees/wasps?
In ants, the metasoma (where the abdomen joins the thorax) is humped and clearly separate from the rest of the abdomen, and the antennae are elbowed with a long first segment.
117
Order?
Mecoptera.
118
How can you tell bees apart from wasps?
In bees, the body is hairy or fuzzy, and the first segment of the hind tarsus is large and flattened. Wasps have neither of these characteristics.
119
Order?
Thysanoptera.
120
Order?
Hymenoptera.
121
What 2 groups of insects are included in order Thysanura?
Silverfish and firebrats.
122
Order?
Odonata.
123
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Isoptera?
* They live in large colonies
* Workers and soldiers are whitish, no wings
* King and queen are dark, with 2 pairs of similarly shaped wings (shed after mating)
124
Order?
Raphidioptera.
125
Order?
Trichoptera.
126
Order?
Dermaptera.
127
Order?
Coleoptera.
128
Order? Subgroup?
Hymenoptera; wasp (various families).
129
Order?
Hemiptera.
130
Order?
Mecoptera.
131
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Protura?
* No eyes, antennae, cerci, or wings
* Whitish in colour
* Very small (1/10")
132
Where are insects of order Megaloptera typically found?
Their larvae are aquatic, and the (short-lived) adults are often found near water.
133
Order?
Plecoptera.
134
What group of insects is included in order Plecoptera?
Stoneflies.
135
What group of insects is included in order Isoptera?
Termites.
136
Order?
Mantodea.
137
Order?
Lepidoptera.
138
How can you tell dragonflies and damselflies apart?
Damselfly wings are narrow at the base and held pressed together up over the body. Dragonfly wings are broad at the base and held open and outstretched from the body. Dragonflies are usually larger and thicker-bodied than damselflies.
139
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Megaloptera?
* Long, thread-like antennae
* May have enlarged, crossed mandibles
* Long, slender, membranous wings
140
Order?
Phasmida.
141
Order?
Diptera.
142
Order?
Blattodea.
143
Order?
Strepsiptera.
144
What group of insects is included in order Blattodea?
Cockroaches.
145
Order?
Dermaptera.
146
Order?
Siphonaptera.
147
What 2 characteristics can be used to identify order Lepidoptera?
* Coiled sucking "tongue"
* 4 wings, covered in scales
148
Order?
Dermaptera (earwigs).
149
Order?
Orthoptera.
150
Order?
Thysanura.
151
Order?
Lepidoptera.
152
Order?
Archaeognatha.
153
Order?
Hymenoptera.
154
What characteristic can be used to identify order Embiidina/Embioptera?
Silk glands in forelegs (to make silk tunnels to live in).
155
What group of insects is included in order Dermaptera?
Earwigs.
156
Which group of insects is included in order Archaeognatha?
Jumping bristletails.
157
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Archaeognatha?
* Less than an inch long
* 3 "tails" (cerci)
* Can spring up by flexing the abdomen
158
Order?
Hemiptera.
159
Order?
Blattodea.
160
Order?
Blattodea.
161
Order?
Psocoptera.
162
What group of insects is included in order Raphidioptera?
Snakeflies (a.k.a. camelflies).
163
What group of insects is included in order Strepsiptera?
Twisted-wing parasites.
164
What 3 characteristics can be used to identify order Diptera?
* Only 2 wings
* Halteres: knob-like balancing structures (reduced from 1 pair of wings)
* Sucking mouthparts (sponging in flies, piercing in mosquitos)
165
Order?
Psocoptera.
166
Order?
Neuroptera.
167
Order?
Thysanura.
168
Order? Suborder?
Hymenoptera; Symphyta (sawflies).
169
Order?
Trichoptera.
170
Order?
Raphidioptera.
171
What characteristic is used to identify order Dermaptera?
Pincers (cerci) at the posterior end of the abdomen.
172
How might you tell the difference between a caddisfly and a mayfly?
* Caddisflies have silky hairs on their wings
* Mayflies hold their wings straight up (sail-like); caddisflies hold theirs semi-closed over their backs (tent-like)
* Adult caddisflies have mouthparts; adult mayflies do not
* Mayflies have long caudal filaments ("tails"); caddisflies do not
173
What is the quickest way to tell the difference between an adult stonefly and an adult mayfly?
Mayflies hold their wings upright (sail-like) over their backs; stoneflies hold their forewings crossed (flat) over their backs, covering the hindwings.
174
Which order is Neuroptera most closely related to?
Megaloptera.
175
Which order is Megaloptera most closely related to?
Neuroptera.
176
How can you tell members of Megaloptera and Neuroptera apart?
* In Megaloptera, the base of the hindwings is broader than the base of the forewings; in Neuroptera, the bases of both pairs of wings are the same size
* Megaloptera are always found near water; Neuroptera don't need to be near water
* Neuropteran wings are transparent; megalopteran wings are opaque and coloured
177
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; Family Tipulidae (craneflies).
178
Which group of insects is family Tipulidae (order Diptera)?
Craneflies.
179
Which features can be used to identify family Tipulidae (order Diptera)?
* Slender body
* Long, fragile legs
* Long halteres
* Elongate, narrow, highly venated wings
* Prominent rostrum
180
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Mycetophilidae (fungus gnats).
181
What features can be used to identify family Mycetophilidae (order Diptera)?
* Mosquito-like
* Long, strong apical spurs on tibiae
* "Hunchback" thorax
* Wings often conspicuously marked
* Body usually dull yellow, brown, or black
182
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Cecidomyiidae (gall midges/gnats).
183
What features can be used to identify family Cecidomyiidae (order Diptera)?
* Small (1-5 mm)
* Long legs
* Long antennae, highly segmented
* Reduced wing venation
184
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Psychodidae (moth flies).
185
What features can be used to identify family Psychodidae (order Diptera)?
* Small to minute
* Very hairy
* Moth-like (common name: moth flies)
* Wing crossveins absent or restricted
186
Which groups of insects are in family Psychodidae (order Diptera)?
Moth flies and sand flies.
187
Which group of insects is in family Cecidomyiidae (order Diptera)?
Gall midges and gall gnats.
188
Which group of insects are in family Mycetophilidae?
Fungus gnats.
189
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Culicidae (mosquitos).
190
Which group of insects is in family Culicidae (order Diptera)?
Mosquitos.
191
What features can be used to identify family Culicidae (order Diptera)?
Mosquitos!
* Proboscis much longer than head
* Mouthparts enclosed by labial sheath
* Body and legs covered in scales
* 13 antennal flagellomeres
192
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Simuliidae (blackflies).
193
Which group of insects is in family Simuliidae (order Diptera)?
Blackflies.
194
What is the proper name for this type of antenna?
Aristate.
195
What does an aristate antenna look like?
Pouch-like, with a lateral bristle.
196
What is the proper name for this type of antenna?
Capitate.
197
What does a capitate antenna look like?
Abruptly clubbed at the end (as in butterflies).
198
What is the proper name for this type of antenna?
Clavate.
199
What does a clavate antenna look like?
Gradually clubbed at the end.
200
What is the proper name for this type of antenna?
Filiformis.
201
What does a filiformis antenna look like?
Thread-like.
202
What is the proper name for this type of antenna?
Geniculate.
203
What does a geniculate antenna look like?
Hinged or bent like an elbow (as in ants).
204
What is the proper name for this type of antenna?
Monoliform.
205
What does a monoliform antenna look like?
Beaded (as in termites).
206
What is the proper name for this type of antenna?
Pectinate.
207
What does a pectinate antenna look like?
Comb-like (as in glow worms).
208
What is the proper name for this type of antenna?
Plumose.
209
What does a plumose antenna look like?
Brush- or feather-like (as in moths).
210
What is the proper name for this type of antenna?
Serrate.
211
What does a serrate antenna look like?
Sawtoothed (serrated) at the ends.
212
What is the proper name for this type of antenna?
Setaceous.
213
What does a setaceous antenna look like?
Bristle-like (as in dragonflies).
214
What features can be used to identify family Simuliidae (order Diptera)?
Blackflies:
* Small, stout body and antennae
* Black or dark brown
* Humpbacked appearance
* Short legs
* Broad wings
215
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Ceratopogonidae (biting midges).
216
Which group of insects is included in family Ceratopogonidae (order Diptera)?
Biting midges ("no-see-ums").
217
What features can be used to identify family Ceratopogonidae (order Diptera)?
Biting midges:
* Very small (1-5 mm)
* Strongly patterned wings, rounded at tips
* Wing venation concentrated near joint
* Proboscis about as long as the head
218
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Chironomidae (midges).
219
Which group of insects is in family Chironomidae?
Midges.
220
What features can be used to identify family Chironomidae (order Diptera)?
Midges:
* 1-10 mm
* Narrow wings
* Glassy outer membrane
221
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Tabanidae (horseflies).
222
Which group of insects is in family Tabanidae (order Diptera)?
Horseflies/deerflies.
223
What features can be used to identify family Tabanidae (order Diptera)?
Horseflies/deerflies:
* Medium to large (6-39 mm)
* Large eyes (can be brightly patterned in males)
* Spotted wing tips
* Short antennae with elongated 3rd segment
224
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Asilidae (robber flies).
225
Which group of insects is in family Asilidae (order Diptera)?
Robber flies.
226
What features can be used to identify family Asilidae (order Diptera)?
Robber flies:
* Bee mimics
* Large, separated compound eyes (top of head hollowed out between the eyes)
* Raptorial legs
* No mandible
* Protruding, modified stabbing mouthparts
227
What 2 suborders is order Diptera traditionally divided into?
Nematocera (thread-horned flies - mosquitos, craneflies) and Brachycera (short-horned flies - houseflies, etc.).
228
What suborder of Diptera does family Tipulidae (craneflies) belong to?
Nematocera (thread-horned flies).
229
What suborder of Diptera does family Mycetophilidae (fungus gnats) belong to?
Nematocera (thread-horned flies).
230
What suborder of Diptera does family Cecidomyiidae (gall midges) belong to?
Nematocera (short-horned flies).
231
What suborder of Diptera does family Psychodidae (moth flies) belong to?
Nematocera (thread-horned flies).
232
What suborder of Diptera does family Culicidae (mosquitos) belong to?
Nematocera (thread-horned flies).
233
What suborder of Diptera does family Simuliidae (blackflies) belong to?
Nematocera (thread-horned flies).
234
What suborder of Diptera does family Ceratopogonidae (biting midges) belong to?
Nematocera (thread-horned flies).
235
What suborder of Diptera does family Chironomidae (midges) belong to?
Nematocera (thread-horned flies).
236
What suborder of Diptera does family Tabanidae (horseflies) belong to?
Brachycera (short-horned flies).
237
What suborder of Diptera does family Asilidae (robber flies) belong to?
Brachycera (short-horned flies).
238
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Bombyliidae (bee flies).
239
What group of insects belongs to family Bombyliidae (order Diptera?)
Bee flies.
240
What features can be used to identify family Bombyliidae (order Diptera)?
Bee flies:
* Bright colours
* Wings often patterned, banded, or spotted
* Body often covered with delicate hairs
241
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Dolichopodidae (long-legged flies).
242
What suborder of Diptera does family Bombyliidae (bee flies) belong to?
Brachycera (short-horned flies).
243
What suborder of Diptera does family Dolichopodidae (long-legged flies) belong to?
Brachycera (short-horned flies).
244
What features can be used to identify family Dolichopodidae (order Diptera)?
Long-legged flies:
* Long legs (dur)
* Green or coppery; may be shiny/metallic in colour
* Ornamented legs
245
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Hippoboscidae (louse flies).
246
Which group of insects is in family Hippoboscidae (order Diptera)?
Louse flies and sheep ked flies.
247
What features can be used to identify family Hippoboscidae (order Diptera)?
Louse flies/sheep ked flies:
* Dorso-ventrally flattened
* Dull brown, poorly defined body markings
* Highly specialized antennae and mouthparts (ectoparasitic)
248
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Tachinidae (tachinids).
249
Which group of insects belongs to family Tachinidae (order Diptera)?
Tachinids.
250
What features can be used to identify family Tachinidae (order Diptera)?
Tachinids:
* Extensively bristled
* Prominent postscutellum (hindmost dorsal piece of the thorax)
* Large calypters (small flaps above the halteres)
251
Which suborder of Diptera does family Tachinidae (tachinids) belong to?
Brachycera (short-horned flies).
252
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Muscidae (houseflies and similar).
253
Which group of insects belongs to family Muscidae (order Diptera)?
Houseflies (and similar).
254
Which suborder of Diptera does family Muscidae (houseflies) belong to?
Brachycera (short-horned flies).
255
What features can be used to identify family Muscidae (order Diptera)?
Houseflies:
* Aristate antennae, usually plumose for entire length
256
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Calliphoidae (blowflies).
257
Which group of insects belongs to family Calliphoidae (order Diptera)?
Blowflies.
258
What suborder of Diptera does family Calliphoidae (blowflies) belong to?
Brachycera (short-horned flies).
259
What features can be used to identify family Calliphoidae (order Diptera)?
Blowflies:
* Often blue or green
* Antennal arista often plumose at tip
260
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Sarcophagidae (flesh flies).
261
Which group of insects belongs to family Sarcophagidae (order Diptera)?
Flesh flies.
262
Which suborder of Diptera does family Sarcophagidae (flesh flies) belong to?
Brachycera (short-horned flies).
263
What features can be used to identify family Sarcophagidae (order Diptera)?
Flesh flies:
* Similar to blowflies, but dark with grey thoracic stripes
* Abdomen often has grey stripes too
264
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Oestridae (botflies).
265
Which group of insects belongs to family Oestridae (order Diptera)?
Botflies and warble flies.
266
What features can be used to identify family Oestridae (order Diptera)?
Botflies/warble flies:
* Robust
* Hairy, but without bristles
* Small, vestigial, or absent mouthparts
* Sometimes bee-like
267
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Tephritidae (fruit flies).
268
Which group of insects belongs to family Tephritidae (order Diptera)?
Fruit flies.
269
What features can be used to identify family Tephritidae (order Diptera)?
Fruit flies:
* Wings usually distinctly patterned
* Body can be brightly coloured
270
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Drosophilidae (small fruit flies).
271
Which group of insects is in family Drosophilidae (order Diptera)?
Small fruit flies.
272
What features can be used to identify family Drosophilidae (order Diptera)?
Small fruit flies:
* Small
* Yellowish or brownish in colour
273
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Conopidae (thick-headed flies).
274
Which group of insects belongs to family Conopidae (order Diptera)?
Thick-headed flies.
275
What features can be used to identify family Conopidae (order Diptera)?
Thick-headed flies:
* Bare, elongate body
* Usually black and yellow (wasp mimics/parasites)
* Broad head
* Long proboscis
* Geniculate antennae
276
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Stratiomyidae (soldier flies).
277
Which group of insects belongs to family Stratiomyidae (order Diptera)?
Soldier flies.
278
What features can be used to identify family Stratiomyidae (order Diptera)?
Soldier flies:
* Broad/flat or long/slender abdomen (depending on species)
* Long antennae, with 3rd segment distinctly annulated (ring-like segments)
* Blue thorax, often metallic-looking
* Bee/wasp mimics
279
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Pipunculidae (big-headed flies).
280
Which group of insects belongs to family Pipunculidae (order Diptera)?
Big-headed flies.
281
What features can be used to identify family Pipunculidae (order Diptera)?
Big-headed flies:
* Small (3-4 mm)
* Compound eyes almost cover the entire head
* Long, slender wings
* Dark-bodied
282
Order? Family?
Order Diptera; family Syrphidae (hover flies).
283
Which group of insects belongs to family Syrphidae (order Diptera)?
Hover flies.
284
What features can be used to identify family Syrphidae (order Diptera)?
Hover flies:
* Black body with yellow or orange markings on head, thorax, and abdomen (bee/wasp mimics)
285
Order? Family?
Order Hemiptera; family Coreidae (leaf-footed bugs).
286
Which group of insects belongs to family Coreidae (order Hemiptera)?
Leaf-footed bugs.
287
What features can be used to identify family Coreidae (order Hemiptera)?
Leaf-footed bugs:
* Oval-shaped body
* 4-segmented antennae
* Metathoracic stink gland
* Enlarged hind tibiae
288
289
What family do crane flies belong to?
Tipulidae (order Diptera).
290
What insects belong to family Tipulidae?
Crane flies.
291
Why are members of family Tipulidae considered phylogenetically primitive?
They have a fragile, slender body.
292
What is the general life cycle of family Tipulidae?
(Tipulidae = crane flies)
* Adults mate as soon as possible after hatching from pupae (females already have mature eggs inside them)
* Eggs laid in wet soil or algal mats, anchored by egg filaments
* Free-living larvae feed and pupate
293
What family do fungus gnats belong to?
Mycetophilidae (order Diptera).
294
What insects belong to family Mycetophilidae?
Fungus gnats.
295
What do the larvae of family Mycetophilidae feed on?
Fungus and decaying plant matter (Mycetophilidae = fungus gnats).
296
What is the general life cycle of family Mycetophilidae?
(Mycetophilidae = fungus gnats)
* Terrestrial larvae feed on fungi and form pupae in silky cocoons in the soil
* Short-lived adults hatch and mate
* Eggs laid in moist soil/decaying organic matter in several batches, spread between different locations
297
How do fungus gnats (family Mycetophilidae) act as pollinators and help spread mushroom spores?
They are poor fliers, but because they lay 200-300 eggs in multiple smaller batches in soil or decaying organic matter, they pick up and spread spores and pollen as they move between different locations for oviposition.
298
What family do gall midges and gall gnats belong to?
Cecidomyiidae (order Diptera).
299
What insects belong to family Cecidomyiidae?
Gall midges and gall gnats.
300
What family do sand flies and moth flies belong to?
Psychodidae (order Diptera).
301
What insects belong to family Psychodidae?
Sand flies and moth flies.
302
What group of insects transmits leishmaniasis? How?
Psychodidae (sand flies): blood-feeding females transmit the *Leishmania* parasite from infected to uninfected humans/animals.
303
What family do mosquitos belong to?
Culicidae (order Diptera).
304
What insects belong to family Culicidae?
Mosquitos.
305
What are the 3 major diseases vectored by family Culicidae (mosquitos)?
* Malaria
* Dengue fever
* Viral encephalitis (e.g. West Nile virus)
306
What family do blackflies belong to?
Simuliidae (order Diptera).
307
What insects belong to family Simuliidae?
Blackflies.
308
What is *Onchocerca*?
A genus of parasitic roundworms vectored by blackflies (family Simuliidae) that includes the species that causes river blindness in humans.
309
What family do biting midges and no-see-ums belong to?
Ceratopogonidae (order Diptera).
310
What insects belong to family Ceratopogonidae?
Biting midges and no-see-ums.
311
What is *Mansonella*?
A genus of parasitic roundworms vectored by biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) that causes dermatitis and skin lesions in humans.
312
What family do midges belong to?
Chironomidae (order Diptera).
313
What insects belong to family Chironomidae?
Midges.
314
What are bloodworms (Dipteran)?
Larvae of some midge species (family Chironomidae) that are bright red in colour due to a hemoglobin analog, an adaptation for near-anoxic environments.
315
What is the ecological significance of midges (family Chironomidae)?
* **Food web** - larvae are important food for aquatic animals (fish, insects, etc.), and flying adults are food for fish and other fliers (bats, birds, insects, etc.)
* **Indicator organisms** - presence/absence of extant or fossil species can indicate recent or past environmental changes
316
What family do horse flies and deer flies belong to?
Tabanidae (order Diptera).
317
What insects belong to family Tabanidae?
Horse flies and deer flies.
318
Define anautogenous.
Female insects requiring a blood meal after mating for complete egg development.
319
How do female Tabanidae (horse/deer flies) find blood meals?
They are attracted to large animals by movement, warmth, surface texture, and exhaled CO2.
320
What is *Loa loa*?
A parasitic roundworm vectored by deer flies (family Tabanidae) that causes disease in humans.
321
What is tularemia?
A North American bacterial disease vectored by mosquitos (family Culicidae) and deer flies (family Tabanidae) that causes ulcers and high fever in humans.
322
What family do robber flies belong to?
Asilidae (order Diptera).
323
What insects belong to family Asilidae?
Robber flies.
324
How do robber flies (family Asilidae) capture prey?
They capture insect prey mid-flight with their raptorial forelegs, then use modified piercing mouthparts to inject them with saliva containing paralyzing neurotoxins and proteolytic enzymes to liquefy internal tissues, which can be sucked out through the proboscis.
325
What family do bee flies belong to?
Bombyliidae (order Diptera).
326
What insects belong to family Bombyliidae?
Bee flies.
327
What family do long-legged flies belong to?
Dolichopodidae (order Diptera).
328
What insects belong to family Dolichopodidae?
Long-legged flies.
329
What is the benefit of hovering behaviour during feeding in bee flies (family Bombyliidae) and hoverflies (family Syrphidae)?
Both families mimic bees so are vulnerable to bee predators, but because they hover while feeding (instead of landing on plants, like bees), they can get away quickly.
330
What family do long-legged flies belong to?
Dolichopodidae (order Diptera).
331
What insects belong to family Dolichopodidae?
Long-legged flies.
332
What family do louse flies and sheep ked flies belong to?
Hippoboscidae (order Diptera).
333
What insects belong to family Hippoboscidae?
Louse flies and sheep ked flies.
