Insect Classification - Assignment Example

Animal Studies: 1. Insect Classification Complete the following chart on “Insect Classification” (ALL TO BE FOUND IN AUSTRALIA) Insect Order Insects in this Order Distinguishing Features Mouth Parts Life Cycle Balattodea Cockroaches They have oval flattened body shapes Their thorax are covered by the pronotum(a large plate) that extends partly over their head They have mandibles (mouth part) adapted for chewing food. They have compound eyes which have two simple ocelli like sports. Some have two pairs of membranous with the forewings being more sclerotised than the hind wings. When at rest, the wings are folded left over right. They have long antennae and bristly legs. They have cerci (specialized sensors) which make them aware of their surroundings and hence sense danger. -labrum(upper lip) -mandibles -maxillae -labium -incomplete metamorphosis through the following stages; -egg -nymph -adult (Maxwell, 196). Coleoptera Beetles IMMATURES -their heads are well developed with Ocelli and mouth parts adapted for chewing. -3 pairs of thoracic legs (do not have abdominal prologs) Body forms include; -campodiform- lean, active crawless -Scarabeiform- grub like, fleshy and C-shaped body. Elateriform- wireworms which are elongate and cylindrical with hard exoskeleton and tiny legs ADULTS -their chewing mouthparts are at times found at the tip of a snout -elytra(front wings) are hard and function as covers for hind wings and meet in a line down at the middle of the back -have large wings which are membranous and folded beneath the Elytra -tarsi- 2-5- segmented. -mandibles ( appear as large pincers) -maxillary -labial palpi undergo complete metamorphosis through the following stages -egg -larval stage -pupae -adults (Robert, 113). Dermaptera Earwigs They have flattened and elongated bodies -they have heavily Sclerotised pincer like cerci with females having straight cerci with an inward pointing cerci while males’ is curved -their mouth parts are adapted for chewing (mandibulate) -They have a moderately long antennae labrum(upper lip) -mandibles -maxillae -labium They undergo simple metamorphosis through the following stages. -eggs -young earwigs (nymph) -adult earwigs (Robert, 115). Diptera houseflies, mosquitoes , midges, sand flies, blowflies and midges They have a single pair of wings i.e. fore wings -Hind wings are reduced to club like halters, have large movable head -have very large compound eyes -have sponge like mouth parts adapted for liquid diet -have enlarged mesothorax while pathorax and metathorax are small Mouth parts adapted for sucking and include maxillae and mandibles. undergo complete metamorphosis with the following stages -egg -larvae -pupa -adult(Maxwell, 176) Hemiptera Aphids, hoppers, scale insects, cicadas and the true bugs -their front wings are generally thickened at the base and have a membranous tip -hind wings are membranous and shorter than front ones -antennae has 5 or fewer segments -mouth part with a three or four segmented beak that arise from front of the head -tarsi which has 3 or fewer segments Piecing or sucking mouth parts which appear as sharply pointed tube called proboscis/ rostrum extending from the underside of their head. Undergo incomplete metamorphosis with the following stages -eggs Young adults (nymphs) -adult (Robert,111) Hymenoptera Ant, bee, wasp and sawfly -2 pairs of thin membranous wings. Both hind and front wings held by small hooks -chewing mouth parts -large compound eyes -female have an ovipostar that may be modified for sawing, piercing and stinging Have mandibulate mouth parts with exception of bees whose moth part is modified to form proboscis for nectar siphoning. -undergo complete metamorphosis through the following stages -egg -larvae Pupae Adult (Maxwell, 177). Isoptera termites -have pale and elongate body -have two pairs of membranous wings with equal length which are only present in reproductive castes only but are shed after mating -their antennae have about same length as the head - mandibulate/ chewing mouth parts which include labrum, mandibles, maxillae and labium -they undergo incomplete metamorphosis which include the following stages; -egg -nymph (young adult) -adult(Philip,66) Lepidoptera Butterflies and moths IMMATURES -Eruciform ( caterpillar –like) -head capsule is well developed with chewing mouth parts -abdomen has up to five pairs of prolegs ADULTS -Mouth parts form coiled tube under the head Antennae type; -butterflies- knobbed -moths-thread like/spindle shaped -large front wings and triangular while hind wings are large and fan shaped -body and the wings are covered with small but overlapping scales -moth part is modified to form proboscis Undergo complete metamorphosis through the following stages -egg -larvae -pupae -adult(Philip, 69) Mantoidea Playing mantis -have elongate bodies -have raptorial front legs which has 1 or 2 rows of spines -two pairs of wings for flight though some are wingless -forewings protectively hardened to cover membranous hind wings when resting -mobile triangular shaped head with distinctive ocelli -have large compound eyes -have short to medium sized filiform antennae labrum(upper lip) -mandibles -maxillae -labium Undergo incomplete metamorphosis with the following stages; Eggs -nymph(young adult) -adult(Robert, 165) Odonata Dragon flies and damselflies -minute antennae -very large eyes -2 pairs of transparent membranous wings that have many small veins -long slender abdomen -aquatic larval stage -prehensile labium labrum(upper lip) -mandibles -maxillae -labium Undergo incomplete metamorphosis through the following stages; -Egg stage -Nymph stage -adult stage (Robert,109) Orthoptera Grasshoppers, crickets, katydids and locusts -have cylindrical body -hind legs elongated for jumping -have mandibulate mouth parts -have large compound eyes -may/may not have Ocelli Antennae have multiple joints and of variable lengths -1st and 3rd segments of thorax enlarged 2 pairs of wings -mandibles -maxillae -labial pulp Undergo incomplete metamorphosis through the following stages -egg stage -nymph stage -adult stage (Philip, 71). Thysanoptera thrips -short antennae with 6-10 segments -narrow head which anterior forms a conical mouth opening -have cylindrical or spindle shaped bodies -front and hind wings that are slender, rod like with a dense figure of long hairs -Tarsi 1-2 segmented, with eversible adhesive bladders apically -mandibles -labium -labrum -maxillae Undergo complete metamorphosis through the following stages -egg -larvae -pupa -adult (Philip, 70). Phasmatodea Stick insects -most have elongated, cylindrical/flattened bodies resembling sticks -two pairs of wings -antennae are filiform and may be short or long Nymphs lack wings They have mandibulate mouth parts which include Maxillae, mandibles, labium and labrum - Undergo incomplete metamorphosis through the following stages -egg stage -nymph stage -adult stage(Maxwell, 177) Animal Studies: 2. Fish Identification Complete the following chart on “Freshwater Native Fish to Australia, detailing their distinguishing characteristics and features” List 12 species. (ALL TO BE FOUND NATIVE TO AUSTRALIA) Australian Freshwater Native Fish Species (common and scientific name) Distribution and Distinguishing Features Arowana (bony tongues) (nematolosa erebi) -have bony head with toothed bone on the floor of the mouth, elongated body covered by large heavy scales with mosaic pattern of canals, dorsal and anal fins with soft rays and long based while pectoral and ventral fins are very small -the fish is found in major – the fish is found in almost all fresh water systems in Australia Queensland lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) -olive green to dull brown on the back, tail, sides and pale yellow to orange on the underside, have reddish coloring on their sides, have stout, elongated bodies, flattened heads with small eyes, have small mouth in a sub terminal position and live in the river systems (Daryl, 213). They are found in Burnett and Mary systems and south east Queensland. salamander fish (lepidogaloxios salamandroides) -have slender, cylindrical and elongate bodies, have brownish-green on their upper parts, silver speckled and blotched on the sides, extremely pale brown with transparent fin membranes, have reddish eyes fixed although they can move their necks in all directions, they inhabit semi permanent water, small pools and streams and they are most commonly found in western and eastern Australia (Melba, 204). River Black fish (Gadopsis marmoratus) -they live in the Murray-Darling river system; southern Queensland, central Victoria and other flowing costal rivers, have elongated and rounded bodies with distinct snout ,large mouth and small eyes, have rounded dorsal, anal and caudal fins, they are either yellow or green with dark green mottling / dark purple or black in color (Peter ,45). Nannoperca australis (southern pygmy perch) Inhabit vegetated fresh water systems with low flow ratein Victoria,south eastern Australia and southern areas of the Murray-darling basin, they have large head and round snout, moderate sized eyes, oblique mouth, body has scales while snout and lower jaws are bare, has black coloration which is dark golden-brown to greenish, lighter lower body and light slightly concave to rounded tail (Peter, 46). Golden perch (macquaria ambigua) -have elongated deep body, are laterally compressed and a sizable mouth, small to moderate sized eyes, a distinct curve to the forehead and hump above their head, rounded caudal, dorsal and anal fin, color vary from pale silvery gold to deep yellow or bronze black, Its mainly found in south east Australia and in the Murray Darling river system (Daryl, 236). Murray cod (maccullochella peelii peelii) -large with deep elongated bodies, broad scooped head, have large mouth lined with very small needle like teeth, they are white to cream on the berry surface with their backs yellowish green to green , they live in clear water habitats of the Murray Darling river system (Melba ,202). Fresh water lampreys (mordacia mordax) -live in coastal and fresh waters, have no scales and lack paired fins but have large eyes, a nostril at the top of the head and 7 gills on each side and are commonly found in coastal rivers and streams, and the Murray river upstream to yarrawonga(Peter, 48). Herrings (Arripis georgianus) Have no scales on the head, have short or no lateral line, have no or very small teeth, feed on planktons and are found in the cooler waters of south coast Australia and Victoria. (Daryl, 225). Neochanna cleaveri (Tasmanian mudfish) Scale less with elongate tubular body with moderate sized mouth. Have small eyes and blunt rounded head with protruding tubular nostrils, rounded pectoral fins, they are greenish brown in color and at times golden, grayish on their ventral surfaces, marked with irregular darker mottled bands and blotches over their back, fin bases and sides and live in muddy swamps, marshes and drains with heavy vegetation, as its name suggests, its mainly found in Tasmania. (Peter, 47). rainbow fish (chilatherina alleni) Live in a wide range of fresh water habitats, they have blue eyes and are less than 12 centimeters in size and are commonly found in northern and eastern Australia (Daryl, 229). Barramundi (lates calcarifer) -have elongate body with large slightly oblique mouth an upper jaw extending behind the eyes, lower edge of the preoperculum serrated with strong spine at its angle, scales are ctenoid, single dorsal and ventral fins have spines and have soft rays while their paired pelvic and pectoral fins have only soft rays, caudal fins have soft rays and is truncate and rounded and have large silver scales (Melba, 202). 3. Native Animals of the “Shire of Yarra Ranges” Victoria, Australia. Research 16 animals that are native to the Yarra Ranges. This must include 4 each of mammals, frogs, birds, and reptiles. Complete the following chart. Name of Animal (Common and Scientific) Appearance (What does the animal look like?) Distribution and Habitat (Where does the animal live?) Behavior Life Cycle/Development Mammal 1 Agile antechinus(mardo) (antechinus aqilis) -yellow footed but has variable grayish fur color, has white eye ring and black tail tip (appears like a rat) -occupies habitats with dense ground cover and hiding places including fallen trees, found in various parts of Australia including southern and western Australia and shire of yara ranges. -it is mostly diurnal and has a mating season lasting for two weeks in August; they feed on invertebrates, eggs and nectars. -They undergo sexual reproduction where the females give birth to young ones which develop to adults (Stephen, 135). Mammal 2 Platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus) Its body and broad flat tails are covered with dense brown fur, has webbed feet and large and rubbery snout with its mouth on the underside but has no visible ears Its semi aquatic and inhabits small streams and rivers and are found along the yarra river and other rivers and streams of the yarra ranges. -they are nocturnal and crepuscular, they are swimmers and spends most time in water looking for food The mature female lays eggs similar to those of reptiles which hatch into young ones which mature into adults (Stephen, 137) Mammal 3 The koala (phascolarctus cinereus) It resembles wombat in appearance though with thicker coat, larger ears and longer limbs, has large sharp claws for climbing Found in eucalyptus forests and are common in the yarra valley They are nocturnal and feeds on eucalyptus leaves Undergoes sexual reproduction to give rise to young ones that mature into adults and has a gestation period of 35 days (Stephen, 140). Mammal 4 Sarcophilus harrisii (Tasmanian devil) -it has a squat and thick build, large head and tail half its body length, forelegs slightly longer than hind legs, black fur with irregular white patches on the chest and rump Found in almost all habitats in Tasmania and the yarra vary but they like dry screlophyll forests and woodlands They are predominantly solitary but don’t form packs and usually form territories and eating is a social event to them They undergo sexual reproduction where the females give birth to young ones which develop to adults (Stephen, 138). Frog 1 -Litoria lesueuri (lesueur’s tree frog) Its 30-55mm long with eggs pigmented in jelly clumps, they have purple or black on back of thighs while a black stripe passes through the eye and broadens over the ear Found in both wet and dry forest and open areas and are distributed in various forests of the yarra ranges Mostly spend their time near water and eat insects, earthworms and spiders They undergo the following stages to maturity -egg -tadpole -adult frog (Michael, 412). Frog 2- Litoria nudidigita (leaf green tree frog) They are 25-40 mm In length and are bright emerald to dark green or dull brown with broad mottled gold/ black band along either side, they have a smooth back and a hidden ear. Inhabits rocky rivers and streams within the yarra ranges Mostly spend their time near water and eat insects, earthworms and spiders They undergo the following stages to maturity -egg -tadpole -adult frog (Michael, 412). Frog 3 Litoria peroni (the Peron’s tree frog) 45-75mm in length and have bright yellow with black mottling on armpits, groin and back of thighs, have cross shaped pupil and small emerald flecks on the back. They frequent wet and dry forests, woodlands, shrub lands and open areas along the yarra ranges. Mostly spend their time near water and eat insects, earthworms and spiders They undergo the following stages to maturity -egg -tadpole -adult frog (Michael, 415). Frog 4- Litoria raniformis (growling grass frog) Its diurnal and are 55-70 mm long, they are bright emerald to dull olive green with brown( gold) blotches on a warty back -inhabit westerly areas in woodlands, shrubs and in the open along the yarra ranges. Mostly spend their time near water and predate on other frogs and spiders They undergo the following stages to maturity -egg -tadpole -adult frog (Michael, 414). Bird 1 Superb lyrebird (menura novaehollandiae) Approximately 100 cm long with brown upper body plumage, grayish brown below, rounded wings and strong legs Inhabit forests in the yarra valley and dandenong ranges. They feed on small invertebrates They lay eggs which hatch into young ones before maturing into adults (Les, 29). Bird 2 White cockatoo (cocatua alba) About 46 cm long and is white with brown or black eyes and a dark grey beak Mainly inhabit forested areas and surrounding secondary vegetation in the yarra ranges They nest in tree cavities and both the male and female incubate the eggs and feed on seeds, barriers, nuts, fruits etc. They lay eggs which hatch into young ones before maturing into adults (Les, 32). Bird 3- white faced heron (egretta novaehollandiae) Its pale blue-grey in color while forehead, crown, chin and throats are white Occupy a wide range of habitat excluding the driest parts of the yara ranges They perch on trees, fence posts, house roofs and telephone posts while their flight is slow and bouncing They lay eggs which hatch into young ones before maturing into adults (Les, 32). Bird 4 swift parrot (lathamus discolor) They are 13-15cm long with a black head, white throat with reddish patch and reddish iris, brownish red nape and grey brown back with pale cinnamon under parts Found in various regions of the yarra ranges Feed on nectar from trees as well as insects They lay eggs which hatch into young ones before maturing into adults (Les, 38). Reptile 1-morelia spilota (southern carpet python) 2-4 meters long with triangular head with a row of thermo receptive labial pits and are olive to black with white, cream and gold markings Found in the entire Australia especially in forest regions of the yarra ranges along the yarra river. Semi arboreal, largely nocturnal and climb on trees and are commonly observed basking -they lay eggs which hatch into young ones which develop into adults (Fred, 65). Reptile 2 Emydura macquarii (Australian short necked turtles) Have a white strip running from the nose to the neck and have a more rigged shells Found in turbid waters at river bottoms in eastern Australia and Murray Darling basin and south yarra. They are omnivores but feed on anything they come across and are often seen basking. Their eggs hatch into young turtles that mature into adults (Fred, 66) Reptile 3 diplodactylus tesselatus( cool gecko) Range from cream ( with binge mottling) to brown with deep chocolate markings Commonly found in new south Wales, northern territory, Victoria and Queensland in arid to semiarid hummocky grassland to shrub lands and woodlands and southern yarra ranges. Usually takes keen interest of everything going on around it Their eggs hatch into young turtles that mature into adults (Fred, 64). Reptile 4-three lined ski (bassiana duperrey). Have relatively slim build and prominent build, shoulder stripes and prominent vertebral and its snot is about 60mm Found in glassy habitats of the entire yarra valley Diurnal and feed on invertebrates Their eggs hatch into young turtles that mature into adults (Fred, 65). References: Maxwell, Kent. Australian national bibliography. Sydney: National Library of Australia, 2003. Philip, Jones. An introduction to Australian insects. Oxford: Oxford University press, 2008. Robert, Geoffrey. Insect biodiversity: science and society: London: John Wiley and Sons, 2009. Daryl, Menace. Fisheries management in Australia. Melbourne: federation press, 2005 Melba, Gibbs and bondad, Ronald. Assessment of freshwater fish seed resources. London: Routledge, 2007. Peter, Johnson. Freshwater fish in Australia. Melbourne: Rural Press, 2006. Stephen, Morgan. Australian mammals: biology and captive management. Melbourne: Federation Press, 2008. Les, Wolf. Systematic and taxonomy of Australian birds. Melbourne: Csiro Publishing, 2008. Michael, Terry. Australian frogs: a natural history. Sydney: New Holland publishers, 2004. Fred, Knight. Alien reptiles and amphibians: a scientific compendium analysis. Sydney: light house publishers, 2009. Read More