colonies.- Insect locomotion includes flight, walking, and swimming. There are two major groups
of insects, the wingless and the winged, and these are further subdivided into various
orders. Insects obtain food with the use of specialized appendages for capturing and
eating the prey. Most insects have a high reproductive rate and can rapidly reproduce
within a short period of time. An insect can have one of three types of metamorphosis
and life cycle. Insects are beneficial both environmentally and economically. Insect
pests can be controlled with chemical or with natural means, some of which are insects
themselves; even though agricultural pesticides prevent a major monetary loss, they
have major drawbacks, too.
Review Questions
- What are the main characteristics of insects?
- Why is the insect’s circulatory system greatly reduced?
- Give an example of mimicry in insects.
- How do female accessory glands aid in the development of eggs?
- What makes parasitoids especially effective against pests?
Further Reading / Supplemental Links
- http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/explore/bugs.htm
- http://rusinsects.com/links/view.php?id=20
- http://www.kidsolr.com/science/page18.html
- http://pestworldforkids.org/learninggames.html
Vocabulary
cuticle The outer layer of the exoskeleton.
exocuticle The thin and waxy water resistant outer layer of the cuticle.
nymphs A developmental stage of insects, where the young is usually similar to the adult.
oviviparous A method of reproduction where the young hatch after the eggs have been
laid.
parasitoids Species whose immature stages develop on or within a single insect host,
ultimately killing the host.