Author, Donkey, Bureaucrats, Administrators
53,803
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
no edit summary
==Insect Body==
Insect's bodies are covered by an exoskeleton. This exoskeleton provides support and protection to the underlying living tissues. It is 'acellular' so is secreted by underlying epidermis.
The outer layer is called the '''epicuticle''' which is composed of proteins and covered by a waxy layer. The inner layers are the '''endocuticle''' and '''exocuticle''' which are composed of protein and chitin.
An insect's body is '''metameric''' (divided into segments). The segments include; head, body and abdomen. The segments are linked by articular membranes, allowing movement.
==Insect Head==
[[Image:Blow_fly_head.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Blow Fly Head'' <br> Martin Pot 2008, WikiMedia Commons]]
[[Image:Insect Eyes.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Illustration of Mouthparts'' <br> Heds 2007, WikiMedia Commons]]
[[Image:MantisLegGBMNH.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Insect Leg'' <br> Shyamal 1909, Wikimedia Commons]]
An insect's head is composed of a capsule of fused plates at the anterior end of the body. They have one large pair of compound eyes and honeycomb like corneal facets. In contrast to this, are the three simple ocelli, found dorsal to compound eyes.
Insects also have one pair of antennae on their head's.
[[Image:Insect Head and eyes.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Alan Hadley]]
[[Image:Insect Eyes.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Alan Hadley]]
[[Image:Blow fly head.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Blowfly Head Close Up - Martin Pot - Wikimedia Commons]]
====Antennae====
====Antennae====
Antennae forms vary amongst insecta. For example they can be long and segmented or short and squat.[[Hair - Anatomy & Physiology|Hairs]] are sometimes present, as are aristae (bristles).
====Mouthparts====
====Mouthparts====
Mouthparts are modified depending on the insect's feeding method.
Insects that suck up liquified food, have an expanded sponge-like labellae. They cannot penetrate skin. They also have palps present which are sensory structures.
Insects that suck blood, have long slender mouthparts for piercing skin. Mouthparts include:
**Hypopharynx- (hp)The bottom part of the pharynx.
**Mandibles- (md) Appendages near the insect's mouth.
**Labrum- (lb) A lobe-like structure acting like an upper lip.
**Maxillae- (mx) Modified limbs that work as a pair of accessory jaws.
Larval mouthparts are prominent. They contain One pair of hooks, a Cephalo-pharyngeal skeleton
**Mouthparts help identify larvae
**Mouthparts help identify larvae
====Wing====
====Wing====
[[Image:Insect Wing Venation.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Alan Hadley]]
[[Image:Insect Wing Venation.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Insect Wing Showing Veins'' <br> Siga 2007, WikiMedia Commons]]
*Insects usually posess two pairs of wings
*Insects usually posess two pairs of wings
*Foregut:
*Foregut:
**[[Oesophagus - Anatomy & Physiology|Oesophagus]]
**[[Oesophagus - Anatomy & Physiology|Oesophagus]]
**[[Crop- Anatomy and Physiology|Crop]] for temporary food storage
**[[Crop - Anatomy and Physiology|Crop]] for temporary food storage
**[[The Proventriculus - Anatomy & Physiology|Proventriculus]]
**[[Proventriculus - Anatomy & Physiology|Proventriculus]]
**[[The Gizzard - Anamtomy & Physiology|Gizzard]] present in insects which eat solid food
**[[Gizzard - Anatomy & Physiology|Gizzard]] present in insects which eat solid food
***Muscular wall and teeth on inner surface
***Muscular wall and teeth on inner surface
**Valves only let blood flow forwards
**Valves only let blood flow forwards
*[[The Aortic Arches - Anatomy & Physiology|Aorta]]
*[[Aortic Arches - Anatomy & Physiology|Aorta]]
*Branching [[Vascular System - Anatomy & Physiology|blood vessels]]
*Branching [[Vascular System - Anatomy & Physiology|blood vessels]]
**Recepticle for spermatozoa
**Recepticle for spermatozoa
**Sperm remains viable for most of the female's life cycle
**Sperm remains viable for most of the female's life cycle
[[Category:Insecta]]
==Test yourself with the Insecta Flashcards==
[[Insecta_Flashcards#Insecta|Insecta Flashcards]]
{{unfinished}}
[[Category:Insecta|A]][[Category:To_Do_-_Parasites]]