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A Knowledgebase of Mole Crickets and Their Control
Information on the distribution, description, life cycle, damage, and biological control of all the mole crickets in the U.S. Includes graphical identification key and four tutorials that teach the concepts of mole cricket control through chemical and biological means. Requires a CD-ROM drive and a web browser. The material is easy to navigate and accurate. This is an outstanding resource.
About the Monarch Butterfly Migration - Fall
Very good set of information about monarch butterflies and monitoring their annual migration. Some of the graphics on the site are large and may require high-speed internet for quick access. Lots of good lesson plan ideas for highschool and undergraduate students. Ideas that can be expanded for graduate students. Good photographs and video.
An introduction to insect structure
A good set of 84 PowerPoint slides detailing the structure of an insect from B.K. Mitchell and J.S. Scott. There are four sections, the insect head, thorax and abdomen, mouthparts and cockroach dissection. The individual slides have good graphics and narration explaining the structure discussed. This is a good resource for instructors putting together lectures on insect structure and morphology and students trying to understand insect structure.
Anatomical atlas of flies
A novel way to identify or learn fly anatomy. Developed by CSIRO Entomology, this atlas uses high resolution digital images of flies to allow users to highlight anatomical parts of a fly to learn the name or click on the part name to identify where it is positioned on the fly. There are four images representing the lower Diptera, lower Brachycera, Acalyptrate and Calyptrate with a dragable lens that allows 1X, 2x and 3X magnification of the regions. Users can click the parts on the image or click on the part name, broken into regions of the fly. The selected part is highlighted in blue to aid easy study. There is a useful help section to guide in the use of this tool. This is an excellent tool for those looking for definitions of Diptera anatomical terms and fly anatomy.
Animal Diversity Web - Insects
Part of the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology's Animal Diversity Web, this site gives a general overview of the class Insecta targeted at college students. The site is organized into five tabs: Information, Pictures, Specimens, Sounds and Classification. Resources include images of live insects and pinned specimens, and sound recordings. Some pictures are only labeled with scientific genus and species names, making it difficult for novice users to understand what Order they are looking at, but many also have common names. Photos and sound bytes are good quality and easy to view and download. A very good resource for teachers needing lecture materials.
Antlion Pit
Focuses on antlions (Mymerleontidae). Includes information on classification, habitat, distribution, behavior, life cycle, and how to capture and observe antlions. Also includes videoclips of various antlion behaviors.
Arthropod Proverbs
This web site provides a compilation of more than 240 proverbs that mention insects, arachnids, centipedes, and crustaceans. Roughly 60% mention Diptera and Hymenoptera. The proverbs are listed under 15 taxa, including Arachnida, Chilopoda, Crustacea, and 11 orders of insects. The geographic origin of each proverb and a list of references also are provided.
Asian longhorned beetle
Video shows an adult female Asian longhorn beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) with characteristic antennae waving. Video also shows the beetle spreading its elytra and flying.
Asian longhorned beetle public service announcement
This public service announcement featuring John Walsh of America's Most Wanted is designed to raise awareness of the Asian Longhorned Beetle. The sound quality and lighting are good. The compression of the video makes the visuals less useable for some purposes.
Asian tiger mosquito pupa swimming
Good quality close up video Showing a mosquito pupa swimming. Respiratory siphons are clearly visible. The video demonstrates that insect pupal stages need not be stationary.
Bagworm
This is a clear, well composed video clip of bagworm bags on cypress and of bagworm feeding behavior. There is no audio, leaving narration up to the end user.
Beet Armyworm
The caterpillar of the beet armyworm is shown in full body view as well as closeup footage of the caterpillar eating. Since there is no sound track, narration is left up to the instructor.
Beetles in Textiles
This 1994 article by Victoria Rivers, Professor of Textiles at University of California (Davis), is about the fascinating and exquisite use of beetle parts, especially iridescent beetle wings, in textiles. Many entomologists will not be familiar with this aspect of the use of insects and will find the article delightful. The article explores how beetles have been used in textiles throughout history in India, New Guinea, Thailand, Burma, and Amazonia. The online article is about 6 standard text pages and includes photographs that, when clicked, provide a larger image.
Beneficial Arthropods: Predators
Photographic gallery containing 133 different images, including adults and immatures, of 37 beneficial arthropod species or groups. The format is HTML. For any PC or Mac that has a CD-ROM drive and a Web browser. Photo quality is very high and many of the arthropods depicted are not often found in other sources.
Beneficial Insects
Tutorials on insect predators that feed on insect and mite pests. Each tutorial has 50 questions; incorrect answers lead to additional information. Covers lady beetles, mantids, lacewings, stink bugs, robber flies, assassin bugs, syrphid flies, spiders, ground beetles, big-eyed bugs and wasps. Some illusstrations are most appropriate for the southern U.S. Information is accurate. Requires Windows; program must be downloaded to hard -drive before use, but once loaded is intuitive. $15.
Beneficial Insects
Tutorials on insect predators that feed on insect and mite pests. Each tutorial has 50 questions; incorrect answers lead to additional information. Covers brown lacewings, ambush bugs, dragonflies, damselflies, paper wasps, earwigs, long-legged flies, predaceous mites, damsel bugs, minute pirate bug, tiger beetles, tachnid flies, parasitic nematodes, entomopathogenic fungi and viruses. Requires Windows. SOme illustrations may be most apporopriate for the southern U.S. A couple of the questions have rather arbitrary answers; in general, the tutorials are well constructed and the information is accurate. Requires Windows operating system; program must be downloaded to the comptuer's hard drive, but once loaded is easy to launch and use. $15. Part number SW 154.
Bibliography of Bees of the World
A comprehensive bibliography of bees. Over 25,000 references and 8,000 authors are included. Navigation is unclear until one clicks on the Alphabetical Author Reference Index. The ninth edition was reviewed.
Bibliography of Pink bollworm
More than 3,700 references to world literature on pink bollworm. Bibliography is searchable online or downloadable for Microsoft Word, ProCite, or in plain text. The Word document is over 200 printed pages. An outstanding, comprehensive bibliography.
Bibliography of Sweetpotato and Silverleaf Whitefly
More than 7,000 references to world literature on sweetpotato whitefly and silverleaf whitefly. Bibliography is searchable online or downloadable for Microsoft Word, ProCite, or in plain text. The Word document is over 500 printed pages. An outstanding, comprehensive bibiliography; hopefully, the authors will continue to updat the resource on an annual basis.
Bibliography of the Almond Moth
Bibliographic references to the almond moth (known outside of North America as the cocoa moth or tropical warehouse moth). This moth is a pest of stored foods such as grain, nuts, and dried fruit. Includes references from 1883 (when the moth was described) to 1981. There are 626 references in this bibliography. It is somewhat dated (although a revision through 1995 is being prepared), but is an extremely comprhensive collection of references up to 1981. This resource will probably be of little use to undergraduate students but of significant value to graduate students working in stored product entomology.
Bibliography of the Zoraptera
Over 170 bibliographic references to the Zoraptera (angel insects). References from 1916 to 2005. What little is known about these tiny insects is available through this bibliography. The bright green background is somewhat distracting, but the list of references is extensive and organized, and would be useful to more advanced students who are beginning research on Zoraptera.
Biological Control of Fire Ants
Demonstrates fire ant invasion of the southern United States and two biological control approaches: decapitating flies and disease. Upbeat music and corny graphics may make it similar to DDT videos of yesteryear, but it is valuable to quickly demonstrate the problem to students. The video appears to overstate the potential impact of these biological control agents but is a good, and fairly entertaining, introduction to the topic of biocontrol for the RIA. It will be importantant to use this video in the propoer context.
Biological Control: A guide to Natural Enemies in North America
An introduction to integrated pest management and biological control concepts, organisms, and practices. Information on specific natural enemies. The guide provides accurate information on a range of natural enemies. While not completely comprehensive, the organisms which are treated are comprehensively described. Each organism is treated on a sperate webpage with information on lifecycle, host range, etc. No special needs are required to use this resource.
Bloodsucking Insects and Filth-breeding Flies
Tutorials on filth flies and insects which bite humans. Each tutorial has 50 questions; incorrect answers lead to additional information. Covers Asian tiger mosquito, black salt marsh mosquito, stable fly, horse flies, deer flies, sand flies, head louse, public louse, bed bug, bloodsucking conenose, house fly, greenbottle flies, bluebottle flies, secondary screwworm fly, vinegar flies, flesh flies, moth flies, eye gnats, humpbacked flies and soldier flies. Requires Windows, and the tutorials must be installed on the computer's hard drive prior to use. Once installed and launched, the tutorials are intuitive to use. Illustrations incorporated into the questions are of high quality and approporiate to the point being illustrated. Some of the illustrated species are of regional significance (southeastern U.S.) and thus may not apply to other geograhic areas. Program includes a tool for recording student performance. These tutorials will be most useful to those particpating in coursework leading to pest management careers, those in general economic entomology courses, and perhaps to students in medical/veterinary courses. $15. Part number SW 156.
Brisbane Insects and Spiders
Follow the adventures of the Chew family as they go to the Australian bush to study insects and spiders. While their English is not always perfect, there is a vast amount of information on Australian insects including many photographs. Clicking on "More about Insects" leads to examples of behavior, mimicry, reproduction, and evolution. The site is arranged well and the phtographs load quickly.
Bt Corn and the European Corn Borer: Evaluation Tool
Interactive predictive model uses years of past weather data and a model of the European corn borer's life cycle under different temperatures to calculate the net benefit of planting Bt corn versus non-Bt corn in a certain geographic area. Great data visualization. Requires Flash. This is an excellent tool incorporating a large volume of data. The tool should be quite useful for IPM classes.
Butterflies and moths of North America
A database detailing the distribution records for Lepidoptera of North America searchable by taxonomic group, region (down to county level) species. Species details include identification, life history, caterpillar hosts, habitat, range and conservation status and more. Although a "work in progress" the site is extensive and has a useful links page for Lepidoptera distribution data around the world. Also included is a good Glossary page A valuable resource for Lepidoptera enthusiasts and academics alike.
Carpenter ant
Medium view of carpenter ant engaged in cleaning behavior of its antennae. Video size is fairly large.
Carpenter ant feeding
Closeup video of a carpenter (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) ant using its antennae to sense as it feeds.
Case Studies in Forensic Entomology
Ten examples of cases in which evidence from forensic entomology were used. Includes the species used. A good story-based introduction to how forensic entomology is used. However, specific descriptions of the methods employed to derive PMI estimates for each case study are not included. This is an general introduction to using insects in criminal investigations.
Choosing and Using Insect Nets
Noel Troxclair of Texas Cooperative Extension demonstrates the difference between aerial and sweep insect collecting nets and their proper use. Excellent introductory video suitable for undergraduate and graduate students.
Cockroach dissection
A series of nine video clips from a cockroach dissection, showing structures of the digestive system (crop, gastric caeca, midgut, Malpighian tubules, hindgut), circulatory system (heart, aorta) and repiratory system (spiracles, tracheae, tracheoles). Ease of use: Text and video are extremely easy to use, although video 1 ("Dissection of a Cockroach Take 2", the title video) is unnecessary, particularly considering loading time. Also, due to differences in browsers and video dimensions, the background image can make it difficult to read the text in a screen that is not resized perfectly, making the site perhaps less user friendly/accessible to, for example, people with visual difficulties. Background necessary: Little if any necessary, although perhaps some additional information in text (e.g., duration of anaesthetization of the cockroach on ice) and pointers (e.g., arrows; such would aid in the circulatory system video, especially) during the videos via some post-video production editing would aid folks that are unfamiliar with the organs (specifically, lower division undergraduates). This should be minimally required though following a single run through by a lab instructor before a lab/video is demonstrated to students; should not be required at all for comparative morphologists. Regarding "core insect principles" below - I have included economic value and environmental services particularly due to the role that bacterial symbionts play in food digestion (as demosntrated in the video), while use of insects in inquiries is checked as cockroaches are excellent models for comparative physiology (e.g., tracheal & open circulatory system vs vertebrate cardiopulmonary system, and MTs vs kidneys). One last additional point is that the author "throws away" the fat body, discounting its very important role in insect biology - comparison at least to the kidney is warranted, particularly in light of its overwhelming presence inside the cockroach when dissected open (surely one student, at least, will ask why there's so much of it yet it's not discussed?).
Cockroach Photo Gallery
Photographic gallery containing 60 images of cockroach adults, nymphs, and egg cases. The following species are represented: American, Asian, Australian, brown, brownbanded, cuban, field, Florida woods, German, giant cave, Madagascar hissing, oriental, smokybrown, and Surinam cockroaches. Requires a CD-ROM drive and a web browser. Most pictures are of exceptional quality. The link to the Deathshead cockroach was broken.
Crittersim
Natural selection simulation. Plants and animals (insects) go through generations according to parameters entered by the user. Pesticide and herbicide applications can be made, though resistance is not simulated. New species with characteristics like metabolism rate, density, and chance of procreation can be created. Good for understanding population effects. Requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. Simulation is not available for Windows.
Cultural Entomology
This article, succinctly written by the late Charles Hogue, was taken, with permission, from the 1987 Annual Review of Entomology. It provides an excellent explanation of cultural entomology, along with examples of the influence insects have had on art, folklore, history, literature and language, the performing arts, philosophy, religion, and other areas of culture from around the world. To delve more deeply into cultural entomology, the original 1987 article should be consulted for a listing of many specific references to the subject.
Cultural Entomology Digest
Cultural Entomology Digest was published in four issues from 1993 to 1997. All issues are available online. More than 30 short articles on the use of insects in human culture are presented, covering a wide variety of fascinating topics from butterflies in mythology to insects in psychiatry to the use of beetles as religious symbols. The articles are both informative and entertaining, and are written by recognized authorities.
Definitions of Entomological Terms
An incomplete but useful list of Entomological terms mainly consisting of morphological definitions and word roots. Contains concise and easily understandable definitions for a number of morphological and physiological terms and where on the insect these terms apply. URL - http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/choate/composite.pdf
Delusional Parasitosis
Introduces delusional parasitosis, a relatively common disorder in which the sufferer holds a delusional belief that they are infested with parasites, typically insects. This is an excellent site for a brief overview of delusional parasitosis. The information is accurate, succinct and easily accessible. It provides information on the history, clinical manifestations, diagnostic protocols, treatments and services, among other things. The site also includes a useful list of references for those with additional inquires.
Discovery Entomology at Texas A&M University
This site includes images, sounds, animation and videos on insects. Great site for undergraduate students learning about the world of insects. Insect images include beneficial insects, common insects, vegetable insects, and agricultural insects. Videos depict insects which include butterflies, ants, grasshoppers, and thrips. Sounds available are for cicadas. An audio section on fire ant sounds and songs about fire ants is entertaining and informative (even if some of ther biological information in the song Freddie Fire Ant, isn't exactly completely accurate). Quality of materials is uniformly accurate. A thrips video link is not working, however.
Dragonfly nymph feeding
Demonstrates the suddenness with which a dragonfly nymph grabs prey using its specialized mouthparts. In this case, the nymph attacks an earthworm.
Eastern Subterranean Termite and Wood-Destroying Insects
Tutorials on wood-destroying pest insects. Each tutorial has 50 questions; incorrect answers lead to additional information. Covers identification, life cycle, biology, damage and colony structure of the Eastern subterranean termite as well as covering powderpost beetles, old house borer, termites, carpenter ants and carpenter bees. Requires Windows, and the tutorials must first be installed on the computer's hard drive. Once installed and launched, the tutorials are intuitive to use. These tutorials will be most valuable to those studying structural pest management in pest management professional prepratory classes and perhaps in general economic entomology classes. $15. Part number SW 158.
ESCAPE: Exotic Species Curriculum for Agricultural Problem-solving Education
This web site provides various modules on exotic species, including both plants and animals, in North American ecosystems. The site includes methods of introduction; case studies of the Asian tiger mosquito, gypsy moth, and multicolored ladybeetle; a nice discussion of diverse ethics issues; and quizzes. It also includes a glossary of more than 75 terms related to invasive species biology; a multimedia player is required to hear pronunciations of the terms. Undergraduate students will find the site useful as an introduction to exotic species biology, although it is designed particularly as a learning and teaching tool for pre-college students.
Exploring the Lotka-Volterra Competition Model using Two Species of Parasitoid Wasps
In this investigation, students design experiments to examine intraspecific and interspecific competition using two species of parasitoid wasps. They gather data on the number of offspring produced by females under each of the initial densities of founding females; the resulting data are used to estimate the parameters of the Lotka-Volterra competition model. The predictions of the model are then compared to the outcome of interspecific competition treatments.
Field Guide to Common Insect Pests of Urban Trees in the Northeast
For each insect, the following information is presented: host plant, photographs, damage information, life cycle, and management recommendations. This is an excellent collection of tree pests, and the species accounts are accurate, well-laid out, informative, and well illustrated. However, in the table of contents, white pine aphid and white pine weevil are mis-placed under "sawflies," and the heading for "Honeylocust Insect Pests" and the link for "Honeylocust Plant Bug" are transposed.
Fire ant trail
Fire ants mark their trail with a substance from the Dufour's gland. The trail used by a group of fire ants is shown. Several examples of groups of ants following each other are shown. File size is large and a highspeed connection is recommended.
Fire Ants and the Decapitating Fly
Excellent summary of how the decapitating fly works as a biological control measure against fire ants. Unhurried pace with great supporting video. Good choice for introducing students to the idea of biological control. Video quality is extremely high and the depiction of the complete lifecycle of the fly is valuable.
Fire Ants and Thelohania Fire Ant Disease
Excellent summary of how Thelohania fire ant disease works as a biological control measure against fire ants. Unhurried pace with great supporting video and graphics. Good choice for introducing students to the idea of biological control. Video quality is excellent. This video should probably be used in conjunction with the other two fire ant biocontrol videos produced by the same workers.
Fleas and Ticks, Wasps and Bees
Tutorials on biting arthropods (fleas and ticks) and stinging insects. Each tutorial has 50 questions; incorrect answers lead to additional information. First tutorial covers adult cat flea, flea eggs and feces, flea larva, flea cocoons, American dog tick, brown dog tick, Gulf coast tick, lone star tick, blacklegged tick, and relapsing fever tick. Second tutorial covers bumble and honey bees, cicada killers, mud daubers and paper wasps, and yellowjackets. Requires Windows. Easy to use once loaded on computer. Some species depicted found only in Deep South. $15. Part number SW 159.
Florida Butterfly Tutorials
Two tutorials introduce common butterflies of Florida, including the cloudless sulphur, giant swallowtail, Gulf fritillary, longtailed skipper, zebra longwing, black swallowtail, monarch, viceroy, European cabbage butterfly and Florida atala. Covers both caterpillars and adults. Requires Microsoft Windows. $15.
Forensic Entomology
A succinct but clear introduction to forensic entomology with an emphasis on the role of the forensic investigator. Covers life cycles, protocols, information to collect at the scene. Also provides links to other forensic entomology websites and resources.
Forensic Entomology Bibliography
Bibliography of forensic entomology. 382 entries through 2006.
Forensic Entomology Lecture by Martin Hall
How forensic entomology helps solve crimes, specifically focusing on maggots and adult flies. This is a 23 min video that provides an interesting lecture by Martin Hall that includes a slide show presentation that was recorded in front of an audience. It includes a question and answer session with the audience. Windows Media Player or Quicktime is needed to view video, but there are links to download each software program available through the site. There is also a link on the same page that provides a PDF download that gives a written introduction to forensic entomology.
FORMIS: A Master Bibliography of Ant Literature
FORMIS is a composite of several ant literature databases. It contains citations for a large fraction of the world's ant literature (about 38,000 references). FORMIS contains all known ant taxonomic literature (through 1996). It also contains comprehensive bibliographies of leaf-cutting ants, fire ants, and Russian wood ants. FORMIS is also the only database which covers ant literature before the 1970s. For further details please see contributions and credits. This database is designed to allow convenient searches of titles, keywords and abstracts when available (online searches or downloads). Citations from this database can be exported to create specialty databases or personal reprint indexes. FORMIS is only updated every year or two, so it is not a source for the most recent ant literature.
Glossary of Biological Control Terminology
Definitions of terms commonly used when discussing biological control, a type of insect management. These definitions are tailored to a lay or general audience.
Harvester ants
Shows several different views of harvester ants, a major food source of the Texas horned lizard. The video is large and a highspeed connection is recommended. The video shows ants entering their nest and moving on pathways that have been cleared of debris. The nest entrance has guards that are checking each of the returning ants.
Honey bee feeding (side view)
Closeup video of a honey bee (Apis mellifera) feeding on honey and water. Lapping behavior is shown with the mouthparts clearly visible.
Honey bee feeding (top view)
Closeup video of a honey bee feeding on honey and water. Lapping behavior is shown with the mouthparts and honeybee "tongue" clearly visible.
Honey bee stinging
Closeup of a honey bee, Apis mellifera, stinging a person's arm. The sting and poison sack are clearly visible, including the poison sack contractions.
Human Skin Parasites
This is an excellent site for a brief overview of skin arthropod parasites. The information is accurate, succinct and easily accessible. It provides information on flies, lice, fleas, bed bugs, mites, scabies and other insect parasites. When clicked on the photos are enlarged and more easily viewed; however, I did have one photo that did not enlarge (in the scabies section).
Images of Insects and Their Relatives
Images of common midwestern insects, arranged by common category (e.g., agricultural crops, stored products) and by insect order. Though the gallery is not complete the quality of the images is high. This gallery is limited in extent, but the images are of uniformly very high quality. The identifications are accurate and several illustrate rarely captured behaviors or stages. Continued development of the gallery is encouraged!
Insect Bites and Stings
This site provides general information about medical care for bee stings, fleas, mites, chiggers, spider bites, ticks and Lyme disease. Most information centers on the treatment of such insect bites, with some background about individual taxa. There is little discussed about the general biology of the insects mentioned.
Insect collecting
An introduction to looking for insects in various habitats. Jeff Tomberlin of Texas Cooperative Extension takes you to the field and shows you where to look and demonstrates techniques like using a beat sheet or bucket. Filmed in central Texas. The video is an excellent introduction to collecting insects. It is large (16 minutes) and a high speed connection is strongly recommended.
Insect Cuticle: Structure and Organization
This Flash animation is part of a lecture series on insect physiology and biochemistry by Dr. Larry Keeley, Professor Emeritus of Entomology at Texas A&M University. Topics covered include prevention of water loss, tanning, and the role of wax. Although unenthusiastic, the voiceover is clear and animation is used well to highlight areas being discussed. Requires Flash. The full version costs $10 to download, but a watermarked demo version can be viewed for free.
Insect Illustrations
This site provides a set of about 20 insect illustrations, originally drawn on canvas as a WPA project during the Depression and made available by the Department of Entomology at the University of Illinois. The illustrations are primarily overviews of some of the more common insect orders. The size of the original illustrations was ca. 1.0 x 1.5 m, and some of the scanned versions on this site are small and, therefore, lacking in details. Each illustration also has a link to the Tree of Life to provide taxonomic information. The site is of particular value from a historical perspective. Of even more historical value and interest is the associated link to the Department's wonderful lantern slide collection, showing entomologists in profile and in action, along with old pictures of insects and entomological situations in field and laboratory. Those interested in teaching the history of entomology would benefit from the link to the lantern slides.
Insect Molting and New Cuticle Formation
I thought that I had already approved all of the videos in this series - is this one a repeat?
Insect Organization: Structure and Function
This Flash animation is part of a lecture series on insect physiology and biochemistry by Dr. Larry Keeley, Professor Emeritus of Entomology at Texas A&M University. The major aspects of insect morphology are covered. Subjects include external body plan, fat body, flight muscles, and the respiratory, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, digestive and reproductive systems. Although unenthusiastic, the voiceover is clear and animation is used well to highlight areas being discussed. Requires Flash. The full version costs $10 to download, but a watermarked demo version can be viewed for free.
Insect Pests of Ornamental Plants
Tutorials on pests of ornamentals. Each tutorial has 50 questions; incorrect answers lead to additional information. Covers spider mites, broad mites, thrips, lace bugs, mealybugs, aphids and whiteflies. Requires Windows. $15. Tutorials are easy to use once loaded on the hard drive. Images are of high quality. Part number SW 162.
Insect physiology lecture and lab notes
A series of 28 lecture notes comprehensively covering the physiology of insects by Sean Putnam and David Stanley from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This course is aimed at undergraduate college students but is an excellent resource for anyone wishing to read up on any aspect of insect physiology. There are links to good sketches and photographs to illustrate points and morphology made in the text. The laboratory link leads to a number of laboratories with a good introduction to each experiment and concise procedures.
Insect Sounds from the Forests of Northern Thailand
Audio files in MP3 format of various cicadas, crickets and some other insects recorded in the forests of Chiang Mai, Thailand. A very useful site for demonstrating the diversity of insect calls. This can be used to develop a discussion of species isolating mechanisms and sexual selection.
Insect Vision: Structure and Function of the Compound Eye
The compound eye is explained in this animation with voiceover by Dr. Larry Keeley of Texas A&M University. Topics include lens and photoreceptor formation, function of pigment cells, and the mosaic view of insect eyes with different numbers of ommatidia per unit area. Voiceover is unenthusiastic but accurate, but the animation is used appropriately to highlight the narration. Requires Flash. Demo version is full-length but has watermark. The forward and reverse arrows for the animation did not work when tested on several web browsers for Mac OSX, but all other features functioned properly.
Insect.org
This is a well-designed website that promotes insect appreciation and demonstrates the intricate relationships of insects and humans. The site is divided into four components: 1) entophiles, which includes photographs and short descriptions of more than 150 insects; 2) cedigest, which includes an impressive set of articles on insects and their roles in our culture; 3) class Insecta, which includes numerous beautiful examples of butterfly wing patterns, with descriptions; and 4) entolinks, which includes about 20 links (with brief reviews) to about 20 other insect-related web sites and resources. This web site affords a nice supplementary tool for entomological instruction, particularly at an introductory level, and should be a delight to students.
Insecticide Resistance Management
Organophosphate insecticide effects and resistance are explained at the molecular and population levels. Part of a longer animation on neurotoxic insecticides. Requires Flash. Demo version is full-length but has watermark.
Insects in Psychiatry
"Insects in Psychiatry" originally was published in the February 1994 issue of Cultural Entomology Digest. The article presents a succinct (roughly 4,000-word) overview of the role of insects in psychiatric disorders. It provides helpful distinctions among insect phobias, delusions of parasitosis, and illusions of parasitosis, along with more than 30 selected references. The article provides an excellent entree into the not-uncommon role of insects in psychiatry. It would be comprehensible and of interest to a wide range of students.
Invasive and Exotic Insects
Information needed to help identify and control invasive species. Specifically, each species listed has an accompanying photo, information concerning identification, biology, control and management resources. This is an outstanding resource.
Investigating Whether Essential Oils Affect Termite Foraging Behaviors
Lesson plan using termites for hypothesis testing. Individual and group learning is emphasized. Other insects could be substituted if termites are not available. Filter paper and essential oils are needed. The lesson plan provides a good framework for investigating social insects. Although it may need modified for some purposes (i.e. include outcome objectives and assessment). The lesson plan forms a framework for other such investigative labs.
Iowa Odonata Survey
This is a great site to get photographs, range information, seasonal abundance and checklists of dragonflies and damselflies that occur in Iowa. When you navigate to a particular species you not only find information and photos, but also a flight season calendar. The site also includes a section of Species of Concern. One neat feature is the option to display English or Latin names - this can come in handy to teachers and students learning scientific nomenclature.
Ironclad Beetle walking
Beetle walks across the frame, demonstrating order of leg movement.
Keeping Pests Out of the Home with Fewer Pesticides and Handling Pesticides Safely
Targeted to homeowners, although it is a great introduction for all students and educators wanting to learn more about integrated pest management. Objectively written. The links to extension offices all go to Georgia Extension.
Let's Talk About Insects
This is an excellent animated resource for introducing teachers and students to Entomology. The interactive Flash animation covers classification, basic anatomy, beneficial vs. pest insects, and life cycles. The dialogue is engaging, clear, and accurate at the elementary level. After completing the animation students have additional activities and exercises available to them. The links at the top of the page are particularly helpful. Users can access an index of the Flash animation slides, as well as a Teacher's Guide that includes example classroom activities and statewide learning standards for 3rd - 5th grades. Available in English and Spanish. Also available on CD.
Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly
Video of the larval, pupal and adult stages of the monarch butterfly. Pupation and eclosion are shown clearly. Audio is poor, containing uneccessary sound track. Includes suggestions for a lesson plan although it cannot be immediately used as a stand alone. This resource provides a good example of integrating technology into the study of insects with a middle school or high school class. Video footage of monarch butterflies is of maderate quality.
LivingWithBugs
This site is an information resource about urban entomology. It provides unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around home, business, and landscape using least-toxic methods. There is a great deal of useful information and many links to additional informative, interesting, and entertaining resources. However, the site does include many links to commercial sites and advertisements.
Marine Insects Home Page
This website centers around the popular, age-old question of why so few insects live in the oceans; only about 250-350 species are routinely exposed to seawater. Marine insects and their special adaptations are discussed and the life histories of several species are treated in detail. The authors formulate and discuss six hypotheses as to why there are so few insects in the ocean. They then weigh in on their choice of the most likely explanation. Teaching notes are included that discuss the utility of marine insects in formulating and evaluating scientific questions and in exploring evolutionary aspects of life. The site is easy to navigate, requires only about 30 minutes to view, and is full of solid information that is presented in a light-hearted manner. No special requirements are needed to use this resource.
Martin Hall Lecture on Forensic Entomology
Martin Hall, of the entomology department at the Natural History Museum in London, lectures on forensic entomology. He covers maggot behavior, the blow fly life cycle, how blow flies find a body and how to collect maggots. Requires QuickTime or Windows Media Player.
Microscopic Insect Architecture
This web page describes current research about insect flight dynamics. It focuses on the work of biologist R. McNeill Alexander of the University of Leeds, whose research team has built large-scale models of insects to test their flight aerodynamics in wind tunnels. At the bottom of the page is a small (160 x 120) QuickTime video of a Morpho butterfly (Order Lepidoptera, Family Nymphalidae) with detailed views of its wing scales. It is an excerpt from the Alien Empire miniseries of the Public Broadcasting Service's Nature series. The video requires QuickTime and may not be accessible to those with older or slow computers. The link to the "enhanced multimedia video clip" did not work at the time of this review.
MonarchWatch Reading Room Scientific Bibliography
Bibliography of scientific literature on the monarch butterfly. The references have been helpfully organized into topic areas and subtopics.
Mosquito biology for the homeowner
A good resource site from Cornell's Entomology Department covering the biology and management of mosquitoes. This site is designed primarily for homeowners but there is some good, concise information for all interested in control of mosquitoes. Sections are clearly laid out with practical advice on what works and what does not in mosquito control including control of larvae, adults and personal protection from mosquitoes. A good reference list is provided at the end for anyone wishing to read more on mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes
This tutorial is part of a series of entomological tutorials and covers the general biology and ecology of mosquitoes. The tutorial has 100 questions (50 in each of 2 tutorials); incorrect answers lead to additional information describing the correct answers. Covers all mosquito genera and their habitats, identification, life cycle, biology, and economic importance. Requires Windows. MAC is not supported. The cost for the tutorial CD is $15.
Moth laying eggs
Closeup of egg-laying by a vapourer moth. Excerpt from the Alien Empire miniseries of the Public Broadcasting Service's Nature series. 160 x 120. Requires QuickTime. An excellent resource of high-quality video of egg-laying behavior, with narration. Requires highspeed connection. Video size cannot be made fullscreen.
Mulch and Moisture Pests and Occasional Invaders
Tutorials on houshold pests. Each tutorial has 50 questions; incorrect answers lead to additional information. Covers booklice, plaster beetles, centipedes, millipedes, amphipods, earwigs, pillbugs, sowbugs, fungus gnats, springtails, silverfish, scorpions, thrips, crickets and plaster bagworm. Requires Windows. $15. Easy to use once loaded on hard drive. Some of the pests depicted are largely restricted to the Deep South. Part number SW 161.
Mutant Cockroaches
Images of mutant cockroaches, provided by the Genetic Stock Center for the German Cockroach at Virginia Tech. Useful as a visual aid for explaining the effects of mutation. A linkage map is also available.
Neurotoxic Insecticides
How common insecticides create their toxic effects. The parts of the nervous system involved in neurotoxicity are explained. Requires Flash. Demo version is of one scene (Imidacloprid action).
On Maggots and Murders: Forensic Entomology
This is a very short and cursory introduction to forensic entomology. It is downloaded as a PDF and is a four-page article about how insects can be used to assess time of death. There is an emphasis on the role of blow flies. There are some color photos of marginal quality included.
Orthoptera Species File Online
The Orthoptera Species File (Version 2.0/3.1) is a taxonomic database of the world's Orthoptera. It contains full synonymic and taxonomic information for more than 25,000 valid species and more than 39,000 taxonomic names, and has more than 140,000 citations to references Users can also access images and sound recordings for many species. The "Education Exercises" link has tools (in both English and Spanish) to learn about synonymic lists, the taxonomic history of a generic and specific name, type specimens, and valid names. There also are interactive keys for identifying and diagnosing species of Orthoptera and teaching users about the Linnaean hierarchy. Another useful resource on the home page is the list of experts and their contact information. The OSF is useful for professionals, students, educators and users with a general interest in Orthoptera. It stands out as excellent because it is well-documented, has many "help" features to guide users, and is associated with a well-respected group, the Orthopterists' Society. If you are not sure where to start looking, or if you are interested in how the database is constructed, use the home page links listed under "Other Places to Start".
Painted lady caterpillar eating its way out of an egg
Shows a Painted Lady,Vanessa cardui, caterpillar eating its way out of its egg.
Pavement ant nest
Demonstrates opportunistic pavement ant nesting location between stacked boards.
Pest Ants and Cockroaches
Tutorials on pest ants and cockroaches. Each tutorial has 50 questions; incorrect answers lead to additional information. Covers acrobat ant, Argentine ant, bigheaded ant, crazy ant, Florida carpenter ant, ghost ant, imported fire ant, little fire ant, native fire ant and Pharaoh ant, American cockroach, Australian cockroach, brown cockroach, brownbanded cockroach, Cuban cockroach, Florida woods cockroaches, German cockroach, oriental cockroach, smokybrown cockroach and Surinam cockroach. Requires Windows. program must be downloaded on to hardrive, but once installed is intuitive. many of the species depicted in these tutorials are restricted to Florida and the extreme southern U.S. $15. Part number SW 157.
Pests in and Around the Home
Knowledgebase of urban, structure, lawn and landscape pests. Includes sections on pest management theory; biting and stinging insects; pests of food, fabric and wood; occasional invaders; lawn pests; landscape pests, and some vertebrate pests. Includes pest identification keys. This is an excellent resource, although much of the material is specific to Florida. Vertebrate pest management sections are also of high quality and interesting. Requires a CD-ROM drive and a web browser. $25.
Phasmida Species File Online
The Phasmida Species File (PSF) is a taxonomic database of the world's Phasmida (stick and leaf insects, known as walking sticks and walking leaves in the U.S.). It provides useful and accessible information for professional taxonomists and systematists, such as full synonymic and taxonomic information for over 2,700 valid species and 3,900 taxonomic names (all ranks, valid and not valid), and over 11,000 citations to references. The PSF home page also lists phasmid specialists by geographic location, so users can email them with questions. What makes the PSF stand out as excellent is the substantial amount of documentation and "help" features to guide users. This makes the site easily-accessible to professionals as well as students and educators with more general interests (e.g., rearing records and photographs). If you are not sure where to start looking, or if you are interested in how the database is constructed, use the home page links listed under "Other Places to Start". For information and statistics about the current status of the database (as of October 2006), click on the "About this website and the underlying database" link on the home page.
Pherolisr
A database of chemicals isolated from sex pheromone glands of female Lepidoptera along with other chemical attractants of male moths. This site should prove valuable to all those working with Lepidopteran pheromones. Maintained by Peter Witzgall, Tobias Lindblom, Marie Bengtsson, and Miklos Tóth, compounds are searchable by species common and Latin names, and also by compound. The source and author of compounds are also included. Pheronet also produces a number of chemical lures which is also listed, along with distributors for Europe and Brazil.
Phylogenetic List of Insect Orders
List of insect orders with Latin and common names, adult mouthparts and wing number and type. Extensive list of orders with a useful feeding and wing type guide to the order. URL - http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/choate/insect_orders.htm
Pig Decomposition Video
Time-lapse video documenting the decomposition of a pig carcass over two weeks. Waves of colonization by insects are visible, but specific species or taxa are not clearly viewed. The quality of the video is dependent on the software used to view the video. The Window Media Player version gives the best quality.
Popular Classics in Entomology
This website provides a bibliography of about 45 popular classics in entomology, written as early as 1895 to as late as 2002, that emphasize the human side of entomology. The list, compiled by Lou Bjostad (Colorado State University), includes works from 1895 to 2002 and is arranged alphabetically by author. These books will inspire a love for insects and a fascination for the natural history of insects. Included are a wide range of books, from well-known works such as Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, to lesser known but, nonetheless, marvelous works such as Hans Zinsser's Rats, Lice, and History. All entomologists, as well as all biologists, should read everyone of these works.
Preparation of Insects as Food
This short video clip (ca. 1 minute) is an excerpt from Alien Empire, from the Public Broadcasting Service's Nature series. 160 x 120. Although very brief, the video shows preparation of insects (hymenopteran and lepidopteran larvae) as food in a nonwestern culture (Thailand). The video is accompanied by narration and the sizzling of the larvae as they are being cooked. The video requires Quicktime for viewing.
Public Health Confronts the Mosquito
The purpose of this document is to serve as a catalyst for discussion and as a working document for public health practitioners and policy makers. The recommendations are not meant to answer all questions or meet all needs related to mosquito control. They will,however, be a tool for the public health community as it determines and solidifies the relationship between mosquito control and public health."
Radcliffe’s IPM World Textbook
This is the best online textbook teaching IPM for various audiences. The chapters were contributed by internationally recognized experts. The goal for the online textbook is to "eventually have hundreds of chapters relating to integrated pest management in the broad sense (not just insect pest management)."
Reference Library of Digitized Insect Sounds
An excellent collection of different kinds of insect sounds: movement and feeding sounds, courtship, defensive stridulation, and insects flying. The sounds are organized by topic and species. The audio files are in .wav format which can be played in nearly all web browsers. Although some links are not working, this is a comprehensive resource to include insect sounds in teaching and learning exercises.
ScaleNet
Comprehensive database of information on scale insects (Homoptera: Coccoidea), an important pest of greenhouses and fruit trees. Topics include general information, economic importance, life histories, distribution, ecology and classification. Users can query the database for information like valid names, distributions, hosts, references, synonymy, and remarks for a particular taxon. The bibliography goes back to 1758. Last updated December 2006.
Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and other Mecoptera
A summary of the Mecoptera, including a key to North American adults.
Side view of carpenter ant
Close-up side view of carpenter ant feeding on artificial diet. Videoclip is very short and shows the antennae and mandibles of the ant as it examines the diet.
Singing Insects of North America
Maps, photographs, drawings, songs, keys, and references are available for many species of crickets, katydids, and cicadas from North America. Useful for answering the question "what is making that sound, what does it look like and where does it occur?" Keys for some groups (cicadas) are all textual, while other groups such as katydids have pictures and drawings allowing lower division students to be able to identify these insects.
Social Behavior of Polistine Wasps
Behavioral videotapes of polistine wasps form the basis of a student project to explore data observation and analysis, using the scientific method. This is a learning exercise based on real-world data concerning the social structure of insects. A very interesting website with many teaching applications.
Songs of Crickets and Katydids from Japan
Japan has a long tradition of appreciating the songs of Orthoptera, and caged orthopterans are often kept as singing pets. This website presents photos of various singing insects (on a grid for sizing), as well as the Japanese common name and scientific name for each species, the time of year when they are found, and their habitat and distribution. The presentation is available in both English and Japanese languages. More than 90 songs are available for various Orthoptera (crickets, katydids, grasshoppers, and mole crickets); several additional songs are available for beetles and assassin bugs. Also available are more than 10 examples of chorusing orthopterans, as well as examples of variations in songs caused by temperature and other factors. Click on the Insect Sound links. Audio files are in MP3 and RealMedia format. Each song plays for roughly 10 to 30 seconds. This is a wonderful website.
Songs of insects
A audio library with a good selection of crickets, katydids and cicadas form Lang Elliot and Wil Hershberger. The audio library is searchable by groups of similar species and by species. There is also a library of 20 common insect songs and a "Vocabulary of Insect Songs" with short explanations of how the various groups make their songs. This is a great resource of insect songs for undergraduate courses of for individuals trying to identify what is making that chirping outside the door. There is a nice section for those who may wish to keep a singing insect to enliven the home.
Species-Scape
Interactive illustration with different organisms sized based on relative number of species. Especially interesting is the relative size of the arachnids and insects. Requires Flash 5 or higher.
Stinging Caterpillars and Caterpillars of Ornamental Plants
This tutorial is part of a series of entomological tutorials and covers the general biology and ecology of many caterpillar taxa. The tutorial has 100 questions (50 in each of 2 tutorials); incorrect answers lead to additional information describing the correct answers. Requires Windows. MAC is not supported. This tutorial covers saddleback caterpillar, puss caterpillar, io moth caterpillar, hag caterpillar, buck moth caterpillar, spiny oak-slug caterpillar, flannel moth caterpillar, azalea caterpillar, bagworm caterpillar, eastern tent caterpillar, fall webworm caterpillar, oleander caterpillar, cabbage palm caterpillar, palm leafskeletionizer caterpillar, and tussock moth caterpillar. The cost for the tutorial CD is $15.
Stored Product Pest Images
Photographic gallery containing 81 images of pests of stored products, including eggs, larvae and pupae and damage photos. Mites, beetles, moths, and psocids are included. A web browser and CD-ROM drive are required to view the images. Images are of high quality and the accompanying text is generally accurate and informative. The larval lesser mealworm is mis-captioned as an adult. Navigation of the images is easy.
Stored Product Pests and German Cockroach Tutorials
Tutorial on insects that attack stored grains and tutorial on German cockroaches. Each tutorial has 50 questions; incorrect answers lead to additional information. Covers rice weevil, lesser grain borer, red flour beetle, sawtoothed grain beetle, cigarette beetle, drugstore beetle, cowpea weevil, mealworms, almond moth and Indianmeal moth. Requires Windows. Program must be downloaded to computer but once installed is intuitive and of high quality. There is a broken link to a photo of a female German cockroach with an ootheca in the German cockroach tutorial. $15. Part number SW 165.
The 12 Most Wanted Insects
A collection of colored scanning electron microscope images of insects (and a few spiders) by Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc. The images are arranged as FBI-style rap sheets, each one containing the scientific name and facts about that species. There are two different “12 most wanted bugs” pages: Bug Mugs (head shots) and Bug Bodies. Several species appear on both pages. The images are clear and the fact sheets are easy to read (although no references are provided). Also check out the "Zoom In!" link at the top of the page for more insect images.
The Bad Guys: Garden Pest ID Cards Set 1
Thirty common garden pests are presented on summary cards containing identification, host range, life cycle, related species, and other information. Information is of high quality but of a general nature suitable for introductory courses. Physical cards with the same information on them as this electronic version can be purchased.
The Bad Guys: Landscape Pest ID Cards
Thirty common landscape pests are presented on summary cards containing identification, host range, life cycle, related species, and other information. Information is sound. Emphasis on biological control and tolerance of pests causing only cosmetic damage is good. Physical cards with the same information on them as this electronic version can be purchased.
The Bizarre Biology of Bugs
This website provides a wonderful, light-hearted but scientifically sound introduction to entomology, taught by Cornell University's Department of Entomology. The entire course is presented, complete with syllabus, lectures, and various downloadable handouts. It features about 20 lecture topics spread over 28 class periods, with excellent visual aids that can be downloaded in PowerPoint format. The course emphasizes insect biology and insect interactions with humans. Lecture topics include insect diversity, development, vision, communication, pollination, pest management, predators and parasitoids, societies, vectors of disease, and more. The course assumes no previous exposure to insect biology.
The Cyber Cockroach
External anatomy of the cockroach, presented from various angles with body parts clearly labeled on photographs rather than diagrams. The user can navigate their way through different views of the head, thorax and abdomen sections. There are also close-up views of the legs. The user can download each image. The internal anatomy section is under construction.
The Good Guys: Natural Enemies of Insects ID Cards
Thirty common natural enemies are presented on summary cards containing identification, host range, life cycle, related species, and other information. Physical cards with the same information on them as this electronic version can be purchased. The information is accurate but typically general in nature- these cards should be most useful in introductory pest management courses, etc.
The Hessian Fly [Mayetiola destructor (say)]
The information provided includes information concerning the morphology, distribution, hosts, damage, and life cycles of the Hessian Fly. Also includes a listing of Hessian fly research labs and a bibliography in regard to pest management. The work is succinct. It gives a good overview on the Hessian fly. Internet is needed to access the information.
The Honey Bee Dance Language
Honey bee workers communicate distance and direction of a food source to other workers through a dance language. A diagram of the dance as well as general and technical articles (PDF) about the dance language are provided. Site currently has a number of broken links and images at the top of the page. Fix these or make a stand-alone page and re-submit the site for approval.
The Manduca Project
Focussing on the use of the tobacco hornworm as an experimental animal in the classroom, this site includes information on rearing, life cycles, and lesson plans.
The Snodgrass Tapes, Lecture 1
Facts and Theories on the Insect Head, Part 1. Audio recording accompanied by illustrated transcripts of lecture given in 1960 by seminal insect morphologist Robert E. Snodgrass. This lecture series covers the morphology and evolution of the insect head in two parts. Part I discusses the structures of the head and mouthparts, and begins to address the evolution of segmentation (continued in Part II). The web page is clear and easy to follow. The transcribed text makes it possible to follow along with the entire lecture even though parts of the audio file are difficult to hear. The text is clearly annotated to tell the reader when Snodgrass is using a figure, and those figures are labeled accurately and placed properly throughout the text. This is an excellent supplemental resource for anyone taking or teaching an insect morphology class. The lecture was moderated by William Bickley and transcribed by Jeffrey W. Shultz, Department of Entomology, University of Maryland.
The Snodgrass Tapes, Lecture 2
Facts and Theories on the Insect Head, Part 2. Audio recording accompanied by illustrated transcripts of lecture given in 1960 by seminal insect morphologist Robert E. Snodgrass. This lecture series covers the morphology and evolution of the insect head in two parts. Part I discusses the structures of the head and mouthparts, and begins to address the evolution of segmentation (continued in Part II). The web page is clear and easy to follow. The transcribed text makes it possible to follow along with the entire lecture even though parts of the audio file are difficult to hear. The text is clearly annotated to tell the reader when Snodgrass is using a figure, and those figures are labeled accurately and placed properly throughout the text. This is an excellent supplemental resource for anyone taking or teaching an insect morphology class. The lecture was moderated by William Bickley and transcribed by Jeffrey W. Shultz, Department of Entomology, University of Maryland.
The Snodgrass Tapes, Lecture 3
Evolution of the Arthropods. Audio recording accompanied by illustrated transcripts of lecture given in 1960 by seminal insect morphologist Robert E. Snodgrass. In this 3rd lecture of the series Dr. Snodgrass discusses the evolution of the arthropod body plan from a phylogenetic perspective. The lecture also covers the phylogeny of Hexapoda and the diversity and evolution of insect appendages compared to those of ancestral arthropods. The web page is clear and easy to follow. The transcribed text makes it possible to follow along with the entire lecture even though parts of the audio file are difficult to hear. The text is clearly annotated to tell the reader when Snodgrass is using a figure, and those figures are labeled accurately and placed properly throughout the text. This is an excellent supplemental resource for anyone taking or teaching an insect morphology class. The lecture was moderated by William Bickley and transcribed by Jeffrey W. Shultz, Department of Entomology, University of Maryland.
The University of Florida Book of insect records
An electronic book edited by Thomas J. Walker currently containing 40 chapters, each chapter covering one insect record. This is a great reference for those looking for fun facts for undergraduate Entomology classes or just for ones own curiosity. Chapters are written in journal style with an introduction, methods, results and discussion and includes a useful references cited section for further study. This site is easy to use and contains more detail than one might expect. Information is searchable by chapter, by contents or by chapter author.
Three-dimensional ant
Three-dimensional rendering of an ant. This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the orginal models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Tick Biology for the Homeowner
This article is intended for homeowners, although it is a good introduction to ticks for most undergraduate and some graduate students. The article contains information on tick taxonomy, biology and behavior, identification, protection against ticks, along with tick facts and a reference listing. The article has good photos of common species of New York. The Interesting Facts link was not working when this site was reviewed.
Tick biology for the homeowner
A good site to learn about tick biology from Cornell University. Aimed at the homeowner this site is a good resource for anyone looking for quick information on ticks in general, and those found in New State in particular. There are good notes on ticks found in New York State including pictures to help identification and diseases they may carry. There are sections that instruct the correct method for tick removal with illustrations, as well as tick bite prevention. A small but good reference section at the end of the site for those who wish to read further.
Turfgrass Insects
Tutorials on insects that are common pests of turfgrass. Each tutorial has 50 questions; incorrect answers lead to additional information. Covers chinch bug, fall armyworm, tropical sod webworm, mole crickets, ground pearls, white grubs, spittle bugs, banks grass mite, Burmudagrass mite and fire ants. Tutorials are easy to use once loaded on the hard drive. Requires Windows. $15. Part number SW 163.
Vegetable Pests I
Photographic gallery containing 63 images of pest beetles that attack vegetables, including adults, pupae, larvae,eggs, and the insect damage. Many illustrate rarely photographed insects; most of are good quality, some are excdeptional. Photos are provided in 3 resolutions and formats; one includes text with photographer's information, etc. Requires a CD-ROM drive and a web browser.
Vegetable Pests II
Photographic gallery containing 96 images of pests that attack vegetables, including adults, pupae, larvae, and eggs; and what the insect damage looks like. Covers mites, true bugs, hoppers, whiteflies, aphids, grasshoppers, crickets, and thrips. Most of the images are of good quality; some are exceptional. Some images depict frequently photographed insects, but several are unique. Images are offered in 3 resolutions and file formats. Requires a CD-ROM drive and a web browser.
Vegetable Pests III
Photographic gallery containing 108 images of lepidopteran pests that attack vegetables, including adults, pupae, larvae, and eggs of most; pictures of damage also accompany many species. Covers caterpillars and moths/butterflies. Most of the photos are of good quality with some of excelletn quality; several species included are rarely photographed, while others are frequently documented and may be found in other sources. Images are offered in three resolutions and formats, including one with text acknowledging the phtographer. The depiction of the neonate tobacco hornworm may be a tomato hornwomr; it is difficult to tell from the picture. Requires a CD-ROM drive and a web browser.
Video Clips of Insects from the Forests of Northern Thailand
Video clips are mostly of butterflies, but also include other video of insect behavior, such as a parasitic wasp attacking a spider and a damselfly eating a moth. Video is in QuickTime format. Clips are short (quick downloads) and the resolution is generally very good.
Virtual bee
3D virtual image of a honey bee (Family Apidae *spelled Apiidae in the image caption*). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the original models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Virtual flea
3D virtual image of a flea (Order Siphonaptera). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the original models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Virtual fly
3D virtual image of a blow fly (Family Calliphoridae). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the original models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Virtual german cockroach
3D virtual image of a German Cockroach (Family Blattidae). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the original models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Virtual grasshopper
3D virtual image of a grasshopper (Family Acrididae). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be viewed as 3D digital reconstructions. The image files would make excellent additions to teaching lectures for introductory classes. Visit the "How to Build Virtual Insects" page to read about how the images were created and how the original models were made more biologically accurate. Also be sure to read the page on how to view the cyber-insects inside a virtual reality "cave".
Virtual Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle
This is a 3D virtual reality image of the "Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle," or Allomyrina dichotoma (family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Dynastinae). Menu tools can be used to rotate and/or zoom in on the image. The clarity of the image is excellent, but gets slightly blurry when fully zoomed. This is a high quality resource for teaching, especially for topics involving insect morphology. The Cornell University "Beetle Science" home page (http://www.explore.cornell.edu/scene.cfm?scene=Beetle%20Science) has many more excellent resources for teachers and students. QuickTime 5.0 is required to view it, which possibly could limit users with older or public computers.
Virtual mantis
3D virtual image of a mantis (Family Mantidae). This movie is also available as a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) model. The VRML models are more interactive than the QuickTime versions, but special software may need to be downloaded to open them (read the “Help” page for details). Those people using public computers may be limited from fully accessing the resource. Mozilla Firefox users can view the VRML files directly in their browsers by downloading the Cortona extension (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona/download/netscape/). This website is an excellent educational resource for all ages. The Virtual Insects home page (http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html) has a basic explanation of how virtual reality works, including the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. The "Virtual Images" link takes you to a list of insects that can be view |
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03-10-2008: List of Entomology Courses Available: Click on 'Course' on top of this page to view it.