5/3/12: An Introduction to insects

Today we were introduced to Entomology, which is the study of insects. Entomology presents the "theory" of insects while the study of land Arthropods offers information regarding the "reality" of insects. The group "Arthropods" consists of insects; primitive insect-like arthros; spiders, mites, scorpions; millipedes; and sowbugs, beachfleas.
Insects are incredibly diverse as there are roughly 10 million species on the planet, which causes them to be the most diverse group of organisms. There are also one million species of spiders and mites. We also discussed beetles in further detail. Beetles are mostly small and nocturnal.
We also briefly discussed epidemiology and insects an many insects are involved in spreading disease. This means that many insects are vectors and contribute to the spreading and perpetuation of disease. Mosquitoes are a well-known vector contributing to malaria epidemics around the world.
Insects also provide important medicinal resources as well, which means that insects are not purely a societal nuisance and threat to public health an many people perceive them to be.
Next, we discussed butterflies and how they are the most "showy" of all insects. I also found out that all butterflies are moths, which I had not known prior to this presentation. I also learned that most butterflies and moths fly at night and that a well-known butterfly pest in the pacific northwest region is the Cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae).
We then discussed bees and how they have evolved from wasps. I learned abut the relationship between flowers and bees and how flowers produce nectar to attract bees that they burn this nectar up as fuel. I also learned that bumblebees live in undisturbed ground and that bees are susceptible to pesticides. Also, when exotic insects are introduced to a region, there is a large negative impact on native bee species. All female bees sting and going back to the bee's relationship with flowers; flowers also smell due to the need to attract bees and insects. Bees also exhibit "ribbing behavior" when resources are low, which means that they will steal pollen from other hives. I was also able to observe and sketch a Coleoptera (Shi Shi Roach) specimen.
Learning about insects was beneficial to increasing my knowledge of natural history of the pacific northwest region in that insects occupy a and are vital components in a variety of ecosystems.

Posted on June 3, 2012 01:04 AM by laurars13