Arthropods: Hard cases

What are Orthoptera? Orthoptera are an order of insects renowned for their distinctive "straight wings" (derived from the Greek "orthos" and "pteron"), which typically lie parallel to their body at rest. This diverse group includes familiar insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, katydids, and locusts. They are characterised by robust bodies, powerful hind legs adapted for jumping, and prominent wings used for both flight and communication. Many species also exhibit vibrant colouration for camouflage or as a warning to predators, and are particularly noted for their ability to produce sounds through specialised organs. What are the main groups within the Orthoptera order? The Orthoptera order encompasses several well-known groups, each with unique adaptations. The primary categories mentioned are crickets, grasshoppers, katydids, and locusts. While sharing common Orthopteran traits like jumping capabilities and sound production, these groups often differ i...

What exactly are Odonata? Odonata is an ancient order of flying insects that includes dragonflies and damselflies. They are characterised by their elongated bodies, membranous wings, and large compound eyes, which provide exceptional visual acuity for hunting. The name "Odonata" comes from Greek words meaning "tooth" and "having", aptly describing their fearsome mandibles. What are the main groups that make up the Odonata order? The Odonata order primarily consists of two main groups: dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are typically distinguished by their robust bodies and outstretched wings, while damselflies are generally more delicate and slender with wings often held together over their backs when at rest. There are over 6,000 described species of Odonata distributed globally. What ecological purpose do Odonata fulfil? Odonata play crucial roles in regulating insect populations and maintaining ecosystem balance as apex predators in both aquatic a...

What are Coleoptera? Coleoptera is the scientific name for the order of insects commonly known as beetles. The name "Coleoptera" means "sheath-winged" in Greek, referring to their distinctive hard forewings, called elytra, which protect their delicate hindwings and abdomen. Beetles constitute the largest order of insects on Earth, with over 350,000 known species. What are the main characteristics that define beetles? Beetles are primarily characterised by their hard forewings, the elytra, which serve as a protective armour against predators, desiccation, and physical damage. Beyond this, they exhibit an astonishing diversity in shapes, sizes, colours, and lifestyles. Their size can range from less than a millimetre to over 6 inches. They also undergo a complete metamorphosis, with a life cycle consisting of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. What ecological purposes do beetles fulfil? Beetles play a multitude of crucial roles within ecosystems. They ...

What are Hemiptera and what are their defining characteristics? Hemiptera, commonly known as true bugs, represent a highly diverse order of insects, encompassing over 80,000 described species. They are characterised by their distinctive mouthparts, which are adapted for piercing and sucking. This specialized mouthpart allows them to feed on a variety of substances, including plant juices, other insects, or even blood in the case of certain species. Their life cycle involves incomplete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, nymph, and adult stages, with nymphs resembling miniature adults that gradually develop wings and reproductive organs through several moults. What are the main suborders within the Hemiptera order? The Hemiptera order is comprised of several distinct suborders, each possessing unique characteristics and ecological roles. These include: Heteroptera: These are the "true bugs" in the strictest sense, known for their characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts ...

What exactly are Lepidoptera? Lepidoptera refers to an order of insects that includes both butterflies and moths. The name itself is derived from Greek, with "lepidos" meaning scales and "ptera" meaning wings, referring to the characteristic scales that cover their wings and contribute to their diverse colours and patterns. This order is one of the most diverse insect groups, with over 180,000 documented species globally. What are the main groups that make up the Lepidoptera order? The two primary groups that constitute the Lepidoptera order are butterflies and moths. While both share fundamental characteristics as Lepidoptera, they exhibit distinct differences in appearance, behaviour, and life cycles. Butterflies are generally diurnal (active during the day) and often have clubbed antennae and brightly coloured wings, whereas moths are typically nocturnal (active at night), possess feathery or thread-like antennae, and often have more subdued, camouflaged colourat...

What are Diptera and what is their distinguishing feature? Diptera, commonly known as true flies, constitute one of the largest and most diverse orders of insects, with over 160,000 described species found in nearly every terrestrial and aquatic habitat. Their defining characteristic is the presence of only two functional wings. Their hindwings are reduced to small, club-shaped structures called halteres, which act as gyroscopes to aid in flight stability. The name "Diptera" itself is derived from Greek words meaning "two wings." How diverse is the Diptera order, and what are its main taxonomic divisions? The diversity within the Diptera order is immense, encompassing species that range from tiny fungus gnats, a few millimetres in size, to large robber flies capable of catching prey mid-flight. The order is broadly divided into two suborders: Nematocera: Known as "thread-horns," this group includes flies with long, slender antennae. Their larvae often have...