Sareena Basnet
Insect collection, killing, and preservation are necessary processes for scientific research, education, and personal collections. Insects are collected using methods such as handpicking, sweep netting, and trapping. They are then murdered gently with methods such as ethyl acetate in killing jars, freezing, or alcohol immersion. Depending on the size and type of the insect preservation … Read more
Insect classification, a system for categorizing insects in the class Insecta, groups these immensely diverse arthropods based on characteristics such as segmented bodies, exoskeletons, three pairs of legs, and, in many cases, wings. They are distinguished by a segmented body, an exoskeleton, jointed legs, and occasionally wings. Insect Classification are categorized into different orders depending … Read more
Sense organs such as the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin detect and transmit external stimuli (light, sound, chemicals, and touch) to the neurological system. The nervous system is divided into two parts: the central nervous system (CNS), which houses the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which connects the CNS … Read more
Bioluminescence and sound production are two unique insect adaptations utilized largely for communication, mating, and defense. Bioluminescence, which is visible in species such as fireflies, is the production of light by a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase, and is frequently utilized to attract mates or discourage predators. Crickets and cicadas produce sound by mechanisms … Read more
Insect metamorphosis and development occur in several life stages that differ between species. Incomplete insect metamorphosis includes three stages: egg, nymph, and adult, with the nymph gradually resembling the adult. Complete insect metamorphosis consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, with major modifications taking place during the pupal stage. Ametabolous development entails minor … Read more
A life cycles describes the stages that an organism goes through from birth to reproduction and death, including growth and maturation. Life-history refers to an organism’s methods for allocating resources such as time and energy for survival, development, and reproduction, which are impacted by environmental and evolutionary factors. Life cycles and life-history features, such as … Read more
The internal anatomy and physiology of respiration, circulation, feeding, digestion, and excretion are interconnected systems that sustain life. The respiratory system supports gas exchange by delivering oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide. The circulatory system carries oxygen, nutrition, and wastes throughout the body. Feeding and digestion entails breaking down food into vital nutrients that are taken … Read more
Insect mouthparts are adapted to their eating behaviors, such as chewing (grasshoppers), piercing-sucking (mosquitoes), siphoning (butterflies), and sponging (houseflies). Their exoskeleton, also known as the cuticle, is a chitin-based protective coat composed of the epicuticle, exocuticle, and endocuticle, which harden through sclerotization. The cuticle creates sclerites, which are hard plates that offer structural support and … Read more
Insect antennae are diverse sensory organs that sense chemical signals (smell), vibrations, and, in some cases, temperature and humidity. Insects have highly developed antennae that vary greatly in shape and function, detecting chemical, mechanical, and even thermal stimuli. Filiform (thread-like), pectinate (comb-like), and plumose (feathery) features are common adaptations designed for specific objectives such as … Read more
In insects, the thorax is the core body portion that controls movement. It is divided into three sections. Each segment has two legs, with varied adaptations such as running (cursorial), jumping (saltatorial), or swimming (natatorial) depending on the insect’s needs. Winged insects have two sets of wings with venation patterns that serve as structural support. … Read more