entomology for the texas hill country
TRANSCRIPT
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
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