Kimberly H. LohmeyerKimberly H. Lohmeyer

USDA-ARSUSDA-ARSKnipling-Bushland U.S. LivestockKnipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock

Insects Research FacilityInsects Research FacilityKerrville, TXKerrville, TX

Hill Country ChapterHill Country ChapterFall Training: EntomologyFall Training: Entomology

Entomology - derived from the Greek Entomology - derived from the Greek entomoentomo meaning to cut into pieces; segmented; meaning to cut into pieces; segmented; and and logoslogos meaning knowledge meaning knowledge

Basic and applied area of science including: Basic and applied area of science including: Genetics, physiology, biological control, Genetics, physiology, biological control, pest management, insect biology, pest management, insect biology, ecology, biotechnology, systematics, ecology, biotechnology, systematics, taxonomy, taxonomy, pathology, and parasitologypathology, and parasitology

Biocontrol: Using beneficial insects to control pest insects/plantsBiocontrol: Using beneficial insects to control pest insects/plants or to manage nuisance situations.or to manage nuisance situations.

Medical Entomology: Control of insects that afflict people either directlyMedical Entomology: Control of insects that afflict people either directly or indirectly. Ex: fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, etc.or indirectly. Ex: fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, etc.

Forest Entomology: Control of insects that damage trees by direct feedingForest Entomology: Control of insects that damage trees by direct feeding or disease transmission.or disease transmission.

Field Crop Entomology: Control of insects that damage food or Field Crop Entomology: Control of insects that damage food or commodity crops such as corn, cotton, soybeans, commodity crops such as corn, cotton, soybeans, vegetables, fruits, etc.vegetables, fruits, etc.

Urban Entomology: Study of insect pests that co-habit with humans. Urban Entomology: Study of insect pests that co-habit with humans. Ex: roaches, ants, termites, silverfish, fleas, bed bugs.Ex: roaches, ants, termites, silverfish, fleas, bed bugs.

Forensics: Study of insects used in legal investigations.Forensics: Study of insects used in legal investigations.

Number of Total Species Comparison:Number of Total Species Comparison:

DragonfliesDragonflies

MantidsMantids

Grasshoppers/CricketsGrasshoppers/Crickets

Butterflies/MothButterflies/Moth

FliesFlies

True BugsTrue Bugs

BeetlesBeetles

Bees/WaspsBees/Wasps

Species Comparison within Insecta:Species Comparison within Insecta:

Why are Insects so Successful?Why are Insects so Successful?

Adaptability: Adaptability: Small size, large numbers of offspring, plus the ability to disperse Small size, large numbers of offspring, plus the ability to disperse leads to adaptation. leads to adaptation.

Reproduction: Reproduction: Most insects are R strategists producing large numbers Most insects are R strategists producing large numbers of offspring and “hoping” that a few will make it. Most insectsof offspring and “hoping” that a few will make it. Most insectsalso mature rapidly.also mature rapidly.Humans and most mammals are K strategists.Humans and most mammals are K strategists.

Size: Size: Small size = less requirements to live; More individuals can live in the Small size = less requirements to live; More individuals can live in the same place leading to a more varied genetic pool. same place leading to a more varied genetic pool.

Dispersal: Dispersal: Flying, swimming, or small enough to travel by wind currents; Flying, swimming, or small enough to travel by wind currents; Movement means more opportunities or a better climate for survival.Movement means more opportunities or a better climate for survival.

Ability to Estivate/Diapause: Ability to Estivate/Diapause: Ability to “wait it out”. Diapause is a restingAbility to “wait it out”. Diapause is a restingperiod of slowed metabolism caused by certain stimuli such as cold period of slowed metabolism caused by certain stimuli such as cold weather, or shortening day length. Estivation is similar to diapause weather, or shortening day length. Estivation is similar to diapause but occurs in reaction to hot temperatures.but occurs in reaction to hot temperatures.

Role in the EcosystemRole in the Ecosystem

Pollinators: Pollinators: Insects are pollinators for many species of plants, including food Insects are pollinators for many species of plants, including food crops such as fruits and sunflowers.crops such as fruits and sunflowers.

Food: Food: Insects and insect products are food sources for other insects, birds, and Insects and insect products are food sources for other insects, birds, and vertebrates.vertebrates.

Decomposition/Soil building: Decomposition/Soil building: Insects are a big part of the decomposition process, Insects are a big part of the decomposition process, from plant debris to animal waste and carrion. This process enriches the soilfrom plant debris to animal waste and carrion. This process enriches the soiland helps to cycle nutrients.and helps to cycle nutrients.

Seed Dispersal: Seed Dispersal: Insects that move and store seeds influence the spread and Insects that move and store seeds influence the spread and survival of plants.survival of plants.

Population Control: Population Control: Disease transmission.Disease transmission.

Impact of Environmental ChangesImpact of Environmental Changes

Temperature Changes: Temperature Changes: Fluctuations in temperature can lead to habitat/food sourceFluctuations in temperature can lead to habitat/food sourceloss, changes in habitat, or death from extreme temperatures. loss, changes in habitat, or death from extreme temperatures.

Habitat Loss: Habitat Loss: With loss of natural habitat comes loss of the insects that dependWith loss of natural habitat comes loss of the insects that dependon these areas. on these areas.

Monocultures: Monocultures: As a society we are moving towards a monoculture. We As a society we are moving towards a monoculture. We constantly remove native habitat and replace it with introduced species constantly remove native habitat and replace it with introduced species such as high performing grasses or ornamentals. These introduced speciessuch as high performing grasses or ornamentals. These introduced speciesmay not be compatible with native insects or they may have insects may not be compatible with native insects or they may have insects associated with them that out compete native insects.associated with them that out compete native insects.

Chemicals/Resistance: Chemicals/Resistance: When chemicals are used to control insects, a few often When chemicals are used to control insects, a few often survive. survive. These few then produce offspring that are resistant. Over time, These few then produce offspring that are resistant. Over time, we end up creating an insect that is no longer killed by the chemical. We we end up creating an insect that is no longer killed by the chemical. We switch chemicals and the process starts over again. These chemicals switch chemicals and the process starts over again. These chemicals also kill lots non-pest species due to the way they are used. also kill lots non-pest species due to the way they are used.

Species Introduction/Switching: Species Introduction/Switching: Use of plants, etc. in areas where they are not Use of plants, etc. in areas where they are not native can lead to host switching. These plants may be similar to annative can lead to host switching. These plants may be similar to aninsects native host plant. The insect adapts to feeding on the new host insects native host plant. The insect adapts to feeding on the new host and may reach widespread pest status. The Boll weevil is an example of this and may reach widespread pest status. The Boll weevil is an example of this scenario.scenario.

Insect Morphological CharacteristicsInsect Morphological Characteristics

Kingdom: Kingdom: AnimaliaAnimaliaPhylum: Phylum: ArthropodaArthropoda

Class: Class: InsectaInsectaOrder: Order:

ClassificationClassification

Scientific Name versus Common NameScientific Name versus Common Name

Cucumber Beetle – refers to two speciesCucumber Beetle – refers to two species

Acalymma vittatumAcalymma vittatum Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi

Order Ephemeroptera:Order Ephemeroptera: Mayflies:Mayflies:

This order is often used as a water quality indicatorThis order is often used as a water quality indicator

Order Plecoptera: StoneflyOrder Plecoptera: Stonefly

This order is often used as a water quality indicatorThis order is often used as a water quality indicator

Order Thysanura: SilverfishOrder Thysanura: Silverfish

Order Archaeognatha (Also Order Archaeognatha (Also called Microcoryphiacalled Microcoryphia): Jumping Bristletails Jumping Bristletails

Order Odonata: Dragonflies and DamselfliesOrder Odonata: Dragonflies and Damselflies

Order Odonata: Dragonflies and DamselfliesOrder Odonata: Dragonflies and Damselflies

www.dragonflies.orgwww.dragonflies.org

Order Embioptera (Embiidina): WebspinnersOrder Embioptera (Embiidina): Webspinners

Order Dermaptera: Earwig Order Dermaptera: Earwig

Order Phasmida: Walking SticksOrder Phasmida: Walking Sticks

Order Orthoptera:Order Orthoptera: Grasshoppers, Crickets, KatydidsGrasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids

Lubber grasshopperLubber grasshopper

Differential grasshopperDifferential grasshopper

Banded-winged grasshopperBanded-winged grasshopper

False katyidFalse katyid

Camel or cave cricketCamel or cave cricket

Tree cricketTree cricket Field cricketField cricket

Mole cricketMole cricket

Order Mantodea: MantidsOrder Mantodea: Mantids

Carolina mantidCarolina mantid

Chinese mantidChinese mantid

Order Blattaria: RoachesOrder Blattaria: Roaches

American CockroachAmerican Cockroach

German CockroachGerman Cockroach

Smoky Brown CockroachSmoky Brown Cockroach

Wood RoachWood Roach

Pale-bordered field cockroachPale-bordered field cockroach

Wood Roach NymphWood Roach Nymph

Order Psocoptera: Book LiceOrder Psocoptera: Book Liceor Bark Liceor Bark Lice

Order Zoraptera: ZorapteransOrder Zoraptera: Zorapterans

Order Phthiraptera:Order Phthiraptera: LiceLice

Human Head LouseHuman Head Louse

Human Body LouseHuman Body Louse

Suborder: AnopluraSuborder: Anoplura

Order Phthiraptera:Order Phthiraptera: LiceLice

Suborder: MallophagaSuborder: Mallophaga

Order Hemiptera:Order Hemiptera: True BugsTrue Bugs

Wheel BugWheel Bug

Giant Water BugGiant Water Bug

Conenose or kissing bugConenose or kissing bug

BedbugBedbugStink bugStink bug

Spined soldier bugSpined soldier bug

Order Homoptera:Order Homoptera: Treehoppers, Cicadas, AphidsTreehoppers, Cicadas, AphidsSpittle BugSpittle Bug WhiteflyWhitefly

AphidsAphids

CicadaCicada

ScalesScales

TreehopperTreehopper

Order Thysanoptera:Order Thysanoptera: ThripsThrips

Order Neuroptera:Order Neuroptera: Lacewings, etc.Lacewings, etc.

AntlionAntlion

LacewingLacewing

MantidflyMantidfly

AntlionsAntlions

DobsonflyDobsonfly

Order Coleoptera:Order Coleoptera: BeetlesBeetles

Stag beetleStag beetleEyed Click BeetleEyed Click Beetle

June BeetlesJune Beetles

Hercules BeetleHercules Beetle Iron Clad BeetleIron Clad Beetle

Caterpillar HunterCaterpillar Hunter

Dung beetleDung beetle

Tiger beetleTiger beetle

Oak Wilt:Oak Wilt:Nitidulid Beetle (also called sap beetle)Nitidulid Beetle (also called sap beetle)

LadybugsLadybugs

Small: 2-6 mmSmall: 2-6 mmLightning BugsLightning Bugs

http://www.edwardsaquifer.net/species.html

Order Trichoptera:Order Trichoptera: CaddisflyCaddisfly

Caddisflies are often used as water quality indicatorsCaddisflies are often used as water quality indicators

Order Trichoptera:Order Trichoptera: CaddisflyCaddisfly

Order Strepsiptera:Order Strepsiptera:Twisted Wing ParasitesTwisted Wing Parasites

Order Lepidoptera: Butterflies and MothsOrder Lepidoptera: Butterflies and Moths

Polyphemus mothPolyphemus moth

Luna mothLuna moth

Eastern Tent CaterpillarEastern Tent Caterpillar

Great Leopard MothGreat Leopard Moth

Imperial mothImperial moth

Io mothIo moth

Cecropia mothCecropia moth

Tomato hornwormTomato hornworm

Black SwallowtailBlack Swallowtail

Spicebush SwallowtailSpicebush Swallowtail

Snout butterflySnout butterflyBuckeyeBuckeye

Pearl crescentPearl crescent

Hackberry butterflyHackberry butterfly

Zebra longwingZebra longwingGulf fritillaryGulf fritillary

MonarchMonarch

Order Mecoptera:Order Mecoptera: ScorpionflyScorpionfly

Order Diptera:Order Diptera: FliesFlies

Yellow Fever MosquitoYellow Fever Mosquito

Horse flyHorse fly

Deer flyDeer flyHouse FlyHouse Fly

Stable FlyStable Fly

Robber FlyRobber Fly

MimicryMimicry

Order Siphonaptera:Order Siphonaptera: FleasFleas

Cat fleasCat fleas

Cicada killerCicada killer

Bald faced hornetBald faced hornet

Order Hymenoptera: Wasps, Bees, and AntsOrder Hymenoptera: Wasps, Bees, and Ants

Mud daubersMud daubers

Honey beeHoney bee

Carpenter beeCarpenter bee

Bumble beeBumble bee

Southern yellow jacketSouthern yellow jacket

Paper waspPaper wasp

Fire antsFire ants

Velvet ant or cow killerVelvet ant or cow killer

Carpenter antCarpenter ant Red harvester antRed harvester ant

Texas leafcutter antTexas leafcutter ant

Pharoah or sugar antPharoah or sugar ant

Order IsopteraOrder Isoptera:TermitesTermites

Order Collembola: SpringtailsOrder Collembola: Springtails

Order Protura: ProturansOrder Protura: ProturansOrder Diplura: DipluransOrder Diplura: Diplurans

Formerly Considered in Insecta; Now in HexapodaFormerly Considered in Insecta; Now in Hexapoda

Scorpions: Class ArachnidaScorpions: Class Arachnida OrdOrder Scorpionida

Striped Bark ScorpionStriped Bark Scorpion

Non-insect Arthropods of InterestNon-insect Arthropods of Interest

Spiders: Class ArachnidaSpiders: Class Arachnida OrdOrder Araneae

TaranatulaTaranatula

Black widowBlack widow

Brown recluseBrown recluse

Non-insect Arthropods of InterestNon-insect Arthropods of Interest

Vinegaroon: OrdVinegaroon: Order Uropygi

Pseudoscorpion: OrdPseudoscorpion: Order PseudoscorpionPseudoscorpion

Windscorpion: OrdWindscorpion: Order Solifugae

Harvestman: OrdHarvestman: Order Opiliones

Non-insect Arthropods of InterestNon-insect Arthropods of Interest

Pillbugs and Sowbugs: OrdPillbugs and Sowbugs: Order Isopoda

Non-insect Arthropods of InterestNon-insect Arthropods of Interest

Ticks and Mites: Class ArachnidaTicks and Mites: Class Arachnida OrdOrder Acari

American Dog TickAmerican Dog TickBlack-legged TickBlack-legged Tick

Lone Star TickLone Star Tick

Brown Dog TickBrown Dog Tick

Non-insect Arthropods of InterestNon-insect Arthropods of Interest

ChiggersChiggers

Ticks and Mites: Class ArachnidaTicks and Mites: Class Arachnida OrdOrder Acari

Non-insect Arthropods of InterestNon-insect Arthropods of Interest

Centipedes: Order ChilopodaCentipedes: Order Chilopoda

House centipedeHouse centipedeGiant desert centipedeGiant desert centipede

Non-insect Arthropods of InterestNon-insect Arthropods of Interest

AntennaeAntennae

ForcipulesForcipules(venom claws)(venom claws)

Rear legs areRear legs areelongate and function similar to antennaeelongate and function similar to antennae

Never Pick These Up!Never Pick These Up!

Millipedes: Order DiplopodaMillipedes: Order Diplopoda

Non-insect Arthropods of InterestNon-insect Arthropods of Interest