Crop Prot 102
Entomology
Name: Bañaga , Lea P.
Year/Section: BSABM-2B
Familiarization of Different Insects and Their Relatives
Exercise No. 1
INTRODUCTION
Insects and their relatives are all animals (Kingdom: Animalia) that belong to the group or phylum
called Arthropoda. These all share many characteristics, including possessing segmented bodies and
jointed appendages (legs and antennae) (Purdue Extension Entomology, 2004).
The arachnids represent the second-largest and (next to insects) second-most agriculturally
injurious class of arthropods. Arachnids have very diverse life histories. Most spiders are beneficial
predators. Most ticks are parasitic and some may transmit important diseases to people. Mites can be
beneficial predators, parasites on insects and mammals, or extremely damaging plant pests.
Centipedes are often confused with millipedes, but they differ by having more flattened bodies,
one pair of legs per body segment, and the ability to move quite rapidly. Centipedes are always predatory
upon other small arthropods and each centipede possesses a pair of strong fangs, which it uses to hold
and poison their prey.
The class crustacea contains many aquatic animals, including crayfish, lobsters, and prawns,
which are important human foods. Insect collectors very commonly encounter one order of this class in
terrestrial environments. This order (Isopoda) includes the sowbugs and pillbugs. Both sowbugs and
pillbugs occasionally feed on vegetable matter, but seldom cause damage. Isopods breathe through gills
that must be kept wet and, therefore, must remain in relatively moist habitats. As a result, they are
commonly found under rocks, logs, mulch, or other debris on the ground or in wooded areas. Isopods
have seven pairs of legs and shield-shaped heads. The pillbug is recognized by most as the tiny animal
that rolls itself into a tight ball when disturbed.
The millipedes are slow-moving, wormlike arthropods. They eat plants but seldom cause
economic damage to them. They normally feed on dead or decaying plant matter. Millipedes can become
nuisance pests in and around homes where they live under patio decks, crawl spaces, and often
landscape mulch.
The largest and most important class of Arthropods is Hexapoda. Hexapods range in size from
very tiny (almost too small to be seen with the naked eye) to quite large. As a group, insects are the most
damaging pests of human foods, both during production and storage. Certain insects damage ornamental
plants, crops, and stored foods. Some damage structures and buildings, and some transmit very
important diseases to people. Other insects are beneficial organisms to the environment, our economy, or
human health and welfare. Most add to the beauty and interest of nature.
OBJECTIVES
1. To classify and characterize the different classes of phylum Arthropoda,
2. To be familiar with the appearance of different Arthropods and to distinguish their basic features.
MATERIALS
1. Browsing gadgets (cellphones), Laptops, Computers, etc.
2. Printer
3. Bond paper
Crop Prot 102
Entomology
PROCEDURES
1. Browse on the internet about the classes under phylum Arthropoda.
2. Be familiarized with their appearance and physical and morphological body features. Summarize
their appearance by using Table 1 below.
3. Download a picture of the different classes of arthropods, and give their common name, Scientific
name, food/host, and habitat. Use Table 2 as your basis for making your table.
4. Memorize all the names and physical features included in your table.
5. Answer the questions below.
QUESTIONS
1. How important is knowing the appearance or physical features of organisms?
Understanding an organism's appearance is crucial for identification, studying its ecological role,
and evaluating its potential impacts on ecosystems.
2. What is the most abundant class of the phylum arthropods? Why/How come?
The most abundant class in Arthropoda is Hexapoda, mainly because insects comprise the
majority of arthropod species, showing remarkable diversity and adaptability.
3. Is a spider an insect? Why/Why not?
No, a spider is not an insect because they belong to different classes: spiders are arachnids,
while insects belong to the class Insecta. They have distinct body structures and characteristics,
such as the number of legs and body segments.
Table 1. Classes of Phylum Arthropoda and Their Distinguishing Characteristics
Class Common Name/s Distinguishing Characteristics
(Examples)
Arachnida Spiders, scorpions, ticks, Four pairs of legs.
mites, pseudo scorpions, Lack antennae.
harvestmen, camel spiders, Head and thorax combined into a
whip spiders and vinegaroons. cephalothorax.
Chilopoda Centipedes Long, flattened, many-segmented
body.
One pair of legs per body segment.
Moderately long antennae.
Crustacea Crustaceans Hardened exoskeleton.
At least five pairs of legs.
Cephalothorax present.
Some have two pairs of antennae.
Diplopoda Millipedes Long, rounded, many-segmented
body.
Two pairs of legs per body segment.
One pair of antennae.
Hexapoda Hexapods Six legs.
Three body parts (head, thorax,
abdomen).
Two antennae.
Table 2. Classes of Phylum Arthropoda and Their Appearance, Name, and Habitat/Host
Arachnida
Pictures Common name Habitat/Host
Crop Prot 102
Entomology
Scorpion Various environments, including
deserts, rainforests, and grasslands.
Often found in burrows or under
rocks.
Wolf spider Diverse habitats, ranging from forests
to urban areas.
Often found on the ground, among
grass or leaves.
Tick Vegetation, tall grass, shrubs, and
wooded areas.
Parasitic on mammals, birds, and
sometimes reptiles.
Mites Virtually everywhere, including soil,
water, and air.
Can be parasitic on plants, animals,
and even humans.
Camel Spider Arid environments like deserts and
sandy areas.
Often found in burrows during the
day.
Chilopoda
House Centipede Typically found indoors in damp
areas like basements and bathrooms.
Preys on insects and spiders.
Amazonian giant centipede Native to the Amazon rainforest.
Inhabits various forest environments.
Stone Centipedes Often found in gardens, under rocks,
and in leaf litter.
Prefers moist environments.
Soil centipedes Lives in soil and leaf litter in forests
and gardens.
Feeds on small invertebrates.
Red-headed centipede Found in leaf litter, under stones, and
in moist environments.
Active predators on other arthropods.
Crustacea
Found in various marine and
Crab freshwater environments.
Occupies burrows or crevices on the
seafloor.
Typically inhabits terrestrial
Land Crab environments near coastal areas.
Builds burrows for shelter and
breeding.
Crop Prot 102
Entomology
Small, shrimp-like crustaceans found
Krill in oceans.
Key component in marine food webs.
Marine crustacean living in rocky and
Spiny Lobster coral environments.
Hides in crevices during the day,
comes out to feed at night.
Found in freshwater habitats like
Crayfish rivers, streams, and lakes.
Often concealed under rocks or logs.
Diplopoda
Pill Millipede Often found in forested areas.
Inhabits the leaf litter, feeding on
decaying plant material.
Millipedes Diverse habitats, including forests,
gardens, and grasslands.
Feed on decaying organic matter.
Bristly millipedes Typically found in wooded areas.
Crawl on the forest floor, feeding on
decomposing leaves and detritus.
Flat-backed millipedes Prefer damp environments like
forests and wetlands.
Feed on decaying plant material.
Giant Centipede Inhabit a variety of environments,
including forests and gardens.
Often found under logs or debris,
preying on insects.
Hexapoda
Found in various environments,
Springtail including soil, leaf litter, and decaying
matter.
Feed on organic debris and fungi.
Typically found in dark, humid places
Silverfish indoors.
Feed on carbohydrates like sugars
and starches.
Colonies are often established in
Termite wood and soil.
Feed on cellulose present in wood
and plant material.
Fire-colored beetle Various habitats, including meadows
and woodlands.
Feed on flowers and nectar.
Crop Prot 102
Entomology
Violet ground beetle Often found in gardens, fields, and
forests.
Predatory, feeding on insects and
other invertebrates.
Skin beetle Typically found in animal nests and
carcasses.
Feed on dried animal tissues.
Carpet beetle Commonly found indoors, infesting
carpets, fabrics, and stored products.
Feed on a variety of organic
materials.
Various habitats, including gardens
Red admiral and meadows.
Feed on flower nectar.
Native to tropical rainforests.
Morpho Feed on tree sap and rotting fruit.
Widespread in various environments,
Monarch butterfly including gardens and fields.
Larvae feed on milkweed plants.
Often found in wooded areas.
Stag beetle Feed on decaying wood and sap.
.Found in gardens, fields, and forests.
Leaf beetle Feed on plant leaves
Mainly associated with potato fields
Colorado potato beetle and other crops.
Larvae and adults feed on potato
plants.
Commonly found in forests.
Bark beetle Feed on the inner bark of trees.
Native to Europe, often found in
European rhinoceros beetle woodlands.
Larvae feed on decaying wood.
Blister beetle Various habitats, including meadows
and gardens.
Some species feed on flowers, while
others are predators of other insects.
Glow-worm Typically found in grassy areas and
woodlands.
Larvae emit light to attract prey.
Weevil beetle Diverse habitats, including fields and
gardens.
Larvae often develop in plant seeds.
Soldier Beetle Various habitats, including meadows
and gardens.
Feed on small insects, such as
aphids.
Crop Prot 102
Entomology
Scarabs beetle Widespread in various environments.
Larvae often feed on decaying
organic matter, while some adults
feed on plants.
Honeybee Found in various ecosystems,
especially where flowering plants are
present.
Construct hives for shelter.
Asian lady beetle Diverse habitats, including gardens
and agricultural fields.
Often found on plants, feeding on
aphids.
Dragonfly Aquatic habitats, such as ponds and
streams.
Larvae are aquatic, while adults are
aerial predators.
Fly Ubiquitous in diverse environments.
Larvae often develop in decaying
organic matter.
Grasshopper Grasslands, meadows, and
agricultural fields.
Feed on vegetation, especially
grasses.
Wasps Various habitats, including gardens
and woodlands.
Construct nests, and some are
predatory.
Fire ant Native to South America, now found
in various regions.
Build large mounds and are
aggressive.
Black garden ant Commonly found in gardens, lawns,
and urban areas.
Nests in soil and forages for food.
Pharaoh ant Commonly found in indoor
environments, especially near
warmth.
Nests in hidden places, such as wall
voids.
Jack jumper ant Native to Australia, found in various
habitats.
Aggressive and known for painful
stings.
References:
Purdue Extension Entomology (2004). Distinguishing Insects from Their Relatives.
[Link]
Mayr, E. (1969). Principles of systematic zoology. McGraw-Hill.
Futuyma, D. J. (2009). Evolution. Sinauer Associates.
Losos, J. B. (2014). The Princeton guide to evolution. Princeton University Press.
Crop Prot 102
Entomology
Pough, F. H., Janis, C. M., & Heiser, J. B. (2016). Vertebrate life. Pearson.
Gotelli, N. J. (2008). A primer of ecology. Sinauer Associates.
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Grimaldi, D., & Engel, M. S. (2005). Evolution of the insects. Cambridge University Press.
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