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Digital Materials in the System Based on Core Insect Principle:
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A History of Forest Entomology in the Intermountain and Rocky Mountain Areas, 1901 to 1982
This web site features an online publication (ca. 40 pages) detailing the history of forest entomology, from 1901 to 1982, in the area from the Northern Rocky Mountains to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Malcolm Furniss provides a concise history, supplemented with fine black-and-white photographs of forestry laboratories, pest outbreaks, and some of the characters who contributed to forest entomology in this area. Several retired employees provide personal reflections on their employment with the forestry laboratories from 1951 to 2005. This is a great resource for educators interested in the history of forest entomology and its local flavor. It is downloadable as a PDF.
A simulation model of an insect population
An insect life table simulation developed by Hein Bijlmakers. The above URL gets you to the introduction of the simulation model where various aspects of an insect population dynamics are explained. The link to the simulation brings you to the model itself with a myriad of variables including population development; egg; larval; pupal and adult mortality by parasitoids and predators amongst others. This is a great tool to investigate various aspects of insect population dynamics allowing one to investigate the impact of a number of variables on a population and may help students understand the function of insect life tables. Up to 40 generations can be iterated.
A simulation model of an insect population
An insect life table simulation developed by Hein Bijlmakers. The above URL gets you to the introduction of the simulation model where various aspects of an insect population dynamics are explained. The link to the simulation brings you to the model itself with a myriad of variables including population development; egg; larval; pupal and adult mortality by parasitoids and predators amongst others. This is a great tool to investigate various aspects of insect population dynamics allowing one to investigate the impact of a number of variables on a population and may help students understand the function of insect life tables. Up to 40 generations can be iterated.
Amateur Entomologists' Society : Key to adult insects
The Amateur Entomologists' Society website Key to Adult Insects is a simple dichotomous key (49 couplets) with images of each of the orders. Other links include conservation, biodiversity, and insect fact files. The key is based on the Collins Field Guide to Insects of Britain and Northern Europe by Michael Chinery, as well as the Practical Entomologist by Rick Imes.
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.
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.
Ant related publications
A bibliography of peer-reviewed publications from the USDA on the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. There are links to PDFs of each article with articles cataloged by year.
Ant related publications
A bibliography of peer-reviewed publications from the USDA on the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. There are links to PDFs of each article with articles cataloged by year.
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.
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.
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.
Blacklighting for beetles and moths
A short video demonstrating the procedures of beetle and moth collecting using a blacklight. Dr. Edward Riley gives tips for successful blacklighting including site selection, ideal times and weather conditions along with a brief outline of which conditions are conducive to which order of insect discussed. 320 x 240 resolution, available in video formats for both Windows and Mac platforms (see main menu for video options).
Blattodea Species File Online
A well illustrated database featuring the world's cockroach species. Includes phylogeny, distribution, and keys for many of the groups.
Brochosomes
Brochosomes are curious protein excretions produced by leafhoppers and spread on the body after molting. They are thought to aid the insect and avoiding sticking to the feeding substrate among other things. Many photographs of brochosomes as well as insects anointing themselves are included, as well as videos.
Brochosomes
Brochosomes are curious protein excretions produced by leafhoppers and spread on the body after molting. They are thought to aid the insect and avoiding sticking to the feeding substrate among other things. Many photographs of brochosomes as well as insects anointing themselves are included, as well as videos.
Bugguide Identification, Images, & Information For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin For the United States & Canada
BugGuide is devoted to identification and natural history of insects through imagery. The images are uploaded and examined by amateur volunteers, and the site is hosted by Iowa State University. All of the insect orders and several non-insect arthropods are included in the database. There also is an interactive Lucid key available. Attempts are made to follow current taxonomic efforts. The site is easy to navigable through and has some very nice photos. (Not all photos were reviewed for taxonomic accuracy.)
Bugguide Identification, Images, & Information For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin For the United States & Canada
BugGuide is devoted to identification and natural history of insects through imagery. The images are uploaded and examined by amateur volunteers, and the site is hosted by Iowa State University. All of the insect orders and several non-insect arthropods are included in the database. There also is an interactive Lucid key available. Attempts are made to follow current taxonomic efforts. The site is easy to navigable through and has some very nice photos. (Not all photos were reviewed for taxonomic accuracy.)
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.
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.
Choosing and using insect nets
A short video demonstrating which type of net to use for collecting and the appropriate techniques for sweeping and successfully collecting the caught insects. Dr Noel Troxclair gives clear and concise instruction on the finer points of sweep netting. 320 x 240 resolution, available in video formats for both Windows and Mac platforms (see main menu for video options).
Choosing and using insect nets
A short video demonstrating which type of net to use for collecting and the appropriate techniques for sweeping and successfully collecting the caught insects. Dr Noel Troxclair gives clear and concise instruction on the finer points of sweep netting. 320 x 240 resolution, available in video formats for both Windows and Mac platforms (see main menu for video options).
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.
Definitions of Entomological Terms
A list of of morphological definitions and word roots useful to Entomology students and teachers. The list contains concise and easily understandable definitions for a number of morphological and physiological terms and specifies where on the insect these terms apply. A good reference for students in introductory entomology or insect morphology classes. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent software to read .pdf documents.
Definitions of Entomological Terms
A list of of morphological definitions and word roots useful to Entomology students and teachers. The list contains concise and easily understandable definitions for a number of morphological and physiological terms and specifies where on the insect these terms apply. A good reference for students in introductory entomology or insect morphology classes. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent software to read .pdf documents.
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 Life : All living things : Arachnida : Ticks
This is the tick section of the Discoverlife.org website which includes an excellent insect database as well as databases for many other organisms. These pages are well illustrated, and in the case of the ticks, with many SEMs, as well as a lucid key. Top notch, easily navigated website.
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.
DrMetcalf a resource on cicadas, leafhoppers, planthoppers, spittlebugs, and treehoppers
This web site is devoted to cicadas, leafhoppers, planthoppers, spittlebugs, and treehoppers. It is built around the vast literature collection amassed by the late Zeno P. Metcalf and now housed in the North Carolina State University Libraries' Special Collections. A searchable bibliographic database focuses on the world's largest literature collection -- nearly 12,000 references from 1741 to 1955 --for these groups. The searchable database is supplemented with selected references (1956-present) for each of the five insect groups, a biography of Metcalf, overviews of each group, and selected links to additional web sites on these insects.
eNature.com
A website devoted to online photographic nature guides including guides to select butterflies, spiders, insects, and many other groups of organisms. Care is given to proper classification. Each species page has a comprehensive description including range, flight, and habitat associations. Links to games, screen savers, and ringtones are also included. The links to photographs of species are good, however the site is not comprehensive. For example, only 36 kinds of beetle are presented.
eNature.com
A website devoted to online photographic nature guides including guides to select butterflies, spiders, insects, and many other groups of organisms. Care is given to proper classification. Each species page has a comprehensive description including range, flight, and habitat associations. Links to games, screen savers, and ringtones are also included. The links to photographs of species are good, however the site is not comprehensive. For example, only 36 kinds of beetle are presented.
ENTOMOLOGY GLOSSARY
There are several online glossaries, this one from Berkeley, while not perfect, was the most thorough. Use is quite simple, it is a one page list with a clickable alphabet at the top. It is part of a teacher designed set of pages about insects and teaching entomology.
ENTOMOLOGY GLOSSARY
There are several online glossaries, this one from Berkeley, while not perfect, was the most thorough. Use is quite simple, it is a one page list with a clickable alphabet at the top. It is part of a teacher designed set of pages about insects and teaching entomology.
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.
Fundamentals of collecting aquatic Arthropods
**WRONG LINK - GOES TO MAIN MENU** A video mainly demonstrating D-net sweeping for aquatic arthropods. Dr Nancy McIntyre touches on a few other techniques and discusses the need to think about using the right sampling technique when targeting specific aquatic Arthropods. Also discussed are techniques and considerations for different types of water bodies. There a four video types available in 320 x 240 resolution.
General Entomology Study Materials
Another of Dr. John Meyer's excellent webpages devoted to teaching general entomology. This page includes five links that take you to "spot ID" characters for insect orders and some families. This page has some excellent photographs detailing the significant characteristics and an interactive phylogenetic tree. A second link takes you to a summary by family of important characteristics. Further links show old tests and quizzes for study reference.
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.
HOSTS - a Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants
A search enabled database of hostplants associated with Lepidoptera. The search page is Boolean and can be accessed with either lepidopteran or plant taxonomic information, or a menu-based search. It is world-wide in scope. The resource can be used for discussions of insect host plant evolution and for economic entomology discussions or lessons.
HOSTS - a Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants
A search enabled database of hostplants associated with Lepidoptera. The search page is Boolean and can be accessed with either lepidopteran or plant taxonomic information, or a menu-based search. It is world-wide in scope. The resource can be used for discussions of insect host plant evolution and for economic entomology discussions or lessons.
Insect bibliography server
Current link unavailable. Unable to review resource. Update link to material and review.
Insect bibliography server
Current link unavailable. Unable to review resource. Update link to material and review.
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 collection is easy if you know where to look
An excellent ideas video for where and how to collect insects for teachers in a variety of video types. Dr Jeff Tomberlin demonstrates to viewers a wide variety of easily assessable arthropod habitats, ranging from living and dead vegetation, to leaf litter and soil sampling, carrion, and even dung, along with the tools needed to examine them. 320 x 240 resolution, available in formats for both Windows and Mac platforms (see main menu for video options).
Insect collection is easy if you know where to look
An excellent ideas video for where and how to collect insects for teachers in a variety of video types. Dr Jeff Tomberlin demonstrates to viewers a wide variety of easily assessable arthropod habitats, ranging from living and dead vegetation, to leaf litter and soil sampling, carrion, and even dung, along with the tools needed to examine them. 320 x 240 resolution, available in formats for both Windows and Mac platforms (see main menu for video options).
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 Defenses
A page from Dr. John Meyer's General Entomology course at NC State University detailing how insects defend themselves. Topics covered include speed, playing-dead, urticating hairs, chemical defenses, protective coloration and more.
Insect Defenses
A page from Dr. John Meyer's General Entomology course at NC State University detailing how insects defend themselves. Topics covered include speed, playing-dead, urticating hairs, chemical defenses, protective coloration and more.
Insect Hormones
A short well illustrated page detailing four major insect hormones and their pathways, and effects. Prothoracicotropic, Ecdysone, and Juvenile hormone are treated here.
Insect Hormones
A short well illustrated page detailing four major insect hormones and their pathways, and effects. Prothoracicotropic, Ecdysone, and Juvenile hormone are treated here.
Insect Mating - How Insects Attract a Mate
A short popular article detailing three major methods of insect mate seeking; visual cues, auditory cues, and pheromones. Embedded links take you to further about.com articles about cicadas, pheromones, and other topics.
Insect Mating - How Insects Attract a Mate
A short popular article detailing three major methods of insect mate seeking; visual cues, auditory cues, and pheromones. Embedded links take you to further about.com articles about cicadas, pheromones, and other topics.
Insect Mimicry
Examples of Mullerian vs. Batesian mimicry are discussed, examples of Lepidoptera are provided contrasting palatable mimics of unpalatable models. A link will take you to another page with an interesting example of a beetle species using cooperation to lure mating bees into being phoretic. Another link discusses jumping spiders that mimic prey.
Insect Mimicry
Examples of Mullerian vs. Batesian mimicry are discussed, examples of Lepidoptera are provided contrasting palatable mimics of unpalatable models. A link will take you to another page with an interesting example of a beetle species using cooperation to lure mating bees into being phoretic. Another link discusses jumping spiders that mimic prey.
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 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 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 Physiology Online
A large database dedicated to research articles about various topics of insect physiology. Topics range from excretion to diapause to temperature and water regulation. There are also extensive listings of resources (academic units, funding, journals) and course data on insect physiology.
Insect Physiology Online
A large database dedicated to research articles about various topics of insect physiology. Topics range from excretion to diapause to temperature and water regulation. There are also extensive listings of resources (academic units, funding, journals) and course data on insect physiology.
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.
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.
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.
Introduction to the Identification of Insects and Related Arthropods
Dichotomous key to an extensive number of insect orders as well as a key for classes of Arthropods. Easy to use dichotomous keys with good initial explanation on how to use one. Many black and white and color sketches and color photographs to aid identification. URL - http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/choate/insect_orders_06b.pdf
Lab-reared Giant Cockroach feeding on bread crumbs
A short Video of a cockroach (Blattaria) feeding. Clip is aa close-up of feeding apparatus in action in 320 x 240 resolution.
Lab-reared Giant Cockroach feeding on bread crumbs
A short Video of a cockroach (Blattaria) feeding. Clip is aa close-up of feeding apparatus in action in 320 x 240 resolution.
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.
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. This is an excellent general mosquito reference with good, science-based recommendations. There are a few minor typographical errors that should be corrected.
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.
NC STATE AGNIC SYSTEMATIC ENTOMOLOGY: A GUIDE TO ONLINE INSECT SYSTEMATIC RESOURCES
A comprehensive listing of all insect orders with general, bibliographic, key, worker, and museum links. This is a very practical tool for any student or teacher looking for information on any of the insect orders.
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).
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.
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.
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
from editor: this table doesn't have any link back to the webpage it is linked to, which puts the reader at a dead end and doesn't give the context of the parent site. They should just submit the parent webpage instead of the lists of terms and Orders separately. I already approved the .pdf list of terms, but we should consider just posting the parent site instead: http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/choate/insecpdf.htm.
Phylogenetic List of Insect Orders
from editor: this table doesn't have any link back to the webpage it is linked to, which puts the reader at a dead end and doesn't give the context of the parent site. They should just submit the parent webpage instead of the lists of terms and Orders separately. I already approved the .pdf list of terms, but we should consider just posting the parent site instead: http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/choate/insecpdf.htm.
Physiology and Biochemistry Animations for Entomology and Biology Education
These are for purchase animations meant for download to insert into a teaching curriculum. Topics covered include: Insect structure and function, muscle structure and contraction, insect cuticle structure, insect vision, and more. Previews of the animations are available and are narrated by Dr. Larry Keeley.
Physiology and Biochemistry Animations for Entomology and Biology Education
These are for purchase animations meant for download to insert into a teaching curriculum. Topics covered include: Insect structure and function, muscle structure and contraction, insect cuticle structure, insect vision, and more. Previews of the animations are available and are narrated by Dr. Larry Keeley.
Pitfall traps for collecting Arthropods
A very good video demonstrating how to use pitfalls to collect ground dwelling insects. Dr. Nancy McIntyre gives clear and concise instructions on type and construction of pitfall trap to use and how to place in the ground. She also gives tips on killing agents and how to retrieve those arthropods caught in the trap. 320 x 240 resolution, available in video formats for both Windows and Mac platforms (see main menu for video options).
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.
Resurrecting Asa Fitch's Aphid notes: historical entomology for application today
This well-produced web site by the USDA's Systematic Entomology Laboratory provides a database of Dr. Asa Fitch's (1809-1879) extensive but previously obscure notes -- 800 hand-written pages -- on 190 aphid taxa in PDF format (which, therefore, requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader). The database is searchable by genus and species, or all aphid pages can be browsed. An introductory page introduces Asa Fitch, the first state-appointed (New York) professional entomologist, and gives explanatory information about his prodigious and detailed notes. Fitch's notes provide not only information about aphids and plants, but also a glimpse into life in the mid-1800s.
Schmidt Sting Pain Index
This Wikipedia page has the cleanest version of the Schmidt Sting Pain Index I've seen online. Justin O. Schmidt created this index after years of work with Hymenoptera, and relates his vast experience with their venom to a scale that can be understood by all. The page has only a few references, but one of those will take you to Christ Starr's four stage sting pain scale. At the top of the scale are bullet ants, and pepsis wasps, at the bottom are sweat bees and fire ants.
Schmidt Sting Pain Index
This Wikipedia page has the cleanest version of the Schmidt Sting Pain Index I've seen online. Justin O. Schmidt created this index after years of work with Hymenoptera, and relates his vast experience with their venom to a scale that can be understood by all. The page has only a few references, but one of those will take you to Christ Starr's four stage sting pain scale. At the top of the scale are bullet ants, and pepsis wasps, at the bottom are sweat bees and fire ants.
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.
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.
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 Fire Ant Sting
Mississippi State University extension page dealing with the symptoms of fire ant stings. A series of photographs track the initial sting, resulting pustules, and eventual healing common to such an encounter.
The Fire Ant Sting
Mississippi State University extension page dealing with the symptoms of fire ant stings. A series of photographs track the initial sting, resulting pustules, and eventual healing common to such an encounter.
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 Spider Myths Site
An especially useful and entertaining site for debunking some of the most pernicious nonsense people accept as fact about arthropods. For some reason Spiders generate an awful lot of incorrect information. The famous "daddy-long-legs having the strongest venom" story is roundly put to rest here, but don't expect it to go away any time soon. People love that story!
The Spider Myths Site
An especially useful and entertaining site for debunking some of the most pernicious nonsense people accept as fact about arthropods. For some reason Spiders generate an awful lot of incorrect information. The famous "daddy-long-legs having the strongest venom" story is roundly put to rest here, but don't expect it to go away any time soon. People love that story!
The University of Florida Book of Insect Records
A 40 chapter online book devoted to insect "champions" in the manner of a world records list. Subjects include, fastest flier, longest lived adult, fastest runner, largest eggs, loudest, most toxic, and more. The Insect Records represent student research and include citations. This project can serve as the basis for additional student assignments to examine adaptations, ecology, and extreme environments.
The University of Florida Book of Insect Records
A 40 chapter online book devoted to insect "champions" in the manner of a world records list. Subjects include, fastest flier, longest lived adult, fastest runner, largest eggs, loudest, most toxic, and more. The Insect Records represent student research and include citations. This project can serve as the basis for additional student assignments to examine adaptations, ecology, and extreme environments.
The University of Florida Book of insect records
This electronic book, edited by Thomas J. Walker, currently contains 40 brief chapters, each chapter covering one insect record, such as longest migration, smallest adults, and largest eggs. The project was initiated by graduate students at the University of Florida, but is now open to anyone maintaining a high-level of scholarship in their contributions. The book of records is a great reference for those looking for fun, yet accurate, information about insects for undergraduate Entomology classes or simply to satisfy one's own curiosity. Chapters are prepared in journal style with an introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references for further study. The site is easy to use and contains more detail than one might expect. Information is searchable by chapter, by contents and by author.
The University of Florida Book of insect records
This electronic book, edited by Thomas J. Walker, currently contains 40 brief chapters, each chapter covering one insect record, such as longest migration, smallest adults, and largest eggs. The project was initiated by graduate students at the University of Florida, but is now open to anyone maintaining a high-level of scholarship in their contributions. The book of records is a great reference for those looking for fun, yet accurate, information about insects for undergraduate Entomology classes or simply to satisfy one's own curiosity. Chapters are prepared in journal style with an introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references for further study. The site is easy to use and contains more detail than one might expect. Information is searchable by chapter, by contents and by author.
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. This is a well-written resource which should be useful to teachers and students in much of eastern North America. There are several minor typographical errors that have no bearing on the intent of the content.
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. This is a well-written resource which should be useful to teachers and students in much of eastern North America. There are several minor typographical errors that have no bearing on the intent of the content.
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
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.
Tree of Life Web Project
The Tree of Life Project is a classification project based on current taxonomic information for all groups of organisms. This is the INSECTA page, which is a portal to the rest of the pages for all insect groups. It includes images, phylogenetic relationships, and extensive references. This is a great start to learning about a new group of insects, or any other life form.
Tree of Life Web Project
The Tree of Life Project is a classification project based on current taxonomic information for all groups of organisms. This is the INSECTA page, which is a portal to the rest of the pages for all insect groups. It includes images, phylogenetic relationships, and extensive references. This is a great start to learning about a new group of insects, or any other life form.
USDA Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology
A bibliography of publications from the USDA Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology. Cataloged by year and searchable by peer-reviewed journal publications only or all publications. Links to each publication give reference details along with an interpretive summary as well as the technical abstract.
USDA Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology
A bibliography of publications from the USDA Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology. Cataloged by year and searchable by peer-reviewed journal publications only or all publications. Links to each publication give reference details along with an interpretive summary as well as the technical abstract.
Using an aspirator for small insects
A short video demonstrating how to use an aspirator to collect small insects. Dr. Noel Troxclair gives clear instruction on technique and the construction of an aspirator. T320 x 240 resolution, available in video formats for both Windows and Mac platforms (see main menu for video options).
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.
West Nile Virus
Good introduction and synopsis of West Nile Virus. Briefly reporting on such topics as geographic distribution, symptoms and treatment, transmission and prevention. The article includes a list of references for further investigation into the West Nile Virus.
West Nile Virus
Good introduction and synopsis of West Nile Virus. Briefly reporting on such topics as geographic distribution, symptoms and treatment, transmission and prevention. The article includes a list of references for further investigation into the West Nile Virus. |
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