Class Insecta in the Christopher B. Smith Preserve

 

Class Insecta Characteristics: Characteristics of most adult members of the class include: 3 body parts (head, thorax, abdomen), three pairs of legs, 1 pair of antennae, 1 pair of compound eyes, and 2 pairs of wings.

Taxonomists argue about the exact number of insect orders. Several previously identified orders have been combined by many taxonomists. For example, cockroaches and termites, previously listed in separate orders, are now included in one order. Also homopterans and hemipterans are now classified in the same order.

Interactions in the Smith Preserve: Within the preserve, various insects pollinate, decompose, recycle nutrients, and mix soil. Some are predators, parasites, prey, and hosts of other organisms. By clicking on the order name or photograph below you will be linked to more photographs and information.

 
Order
Common Name
  
Blattodea
Cockroaches and Termites
Coleoptera
Beetles
Dermaptera
Earwigs
Diptera
Flies
Embiidina / Embioptera
Webspinners
Ephemeroptera
Mayflies
Hemiptera

True Bugs and Aphids, Leafhoppers, Scales, and Mealybugs

Hymenoptera
Bees, Wasps, Ants, and Sawflies
Lepidoptera
Butterflies, Moths
Mantodea
Praying Mantids
Neuroptera
Antlions, Lacewings
Odonata
Dragonflies, Damselflies
Orthoptera
Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids
Psocodea
Barklice, Booklice
Thysanoptera
Thrips

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Photographs and text by Susan Leach Snyder (Conservancy of Southwest Florida Volunteer), unless otherwise credited above.

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