The Gloworm

4 January 1995
Volume 3: no. 1

At the beginning of each new year I resolve to try and share basic information about various groups of insects and I hope that that aim has been successful even if we do chase butterflies and moths more than usual. 1995 will begin in much the same way...with some basics, but who knows where we will go before this time next year. Insects are among the most successful animals on earth. There are more than 930,000 described species of insects and more are added every year. Insects exist in almost all climes from the hottest desert to the coldest tundra, both on high mountains and in deep waters. Not only are insects more numerous in species, but they are also numerous over the surface of the earth.

Insects are distinguished from all other animals in 5 major ways. They possess a tough, protective exoskeleton; three pairs of jointed legs; a body divided into 3 main regions, head, thorax, and abdomen; wings (in most); and external mouthparts. These characteristics have enabled them to adapt to and fill many niches throughout the world. Even though insects are very diverse in some ways, they are remarkably similar in others. The insect head is formed from 6 fused segments and carries the compound eyes, the antennae and the mouthparts. The mouthparts are modified according to the diet, some for sucking or lapping of liquids and others for the chewing and grinding of more solid foods. The thorax is comprised of 3 segments and carries the legs, 1 pair per segment. The last 2 thoracic segments usually bear the winds, one pair on each segment. The abdomen is made up of 11 segments and contains the digestive and reproductive organs.

Insects are very important to man, both as a competitor and as a helper. Annually insects destroy approximately 10 to 15% of crops on a worldwide basis. Some insects also vector diseases to men and his animals. Malaria, an insect borne disease, is responsible for about 2,000,000 human deaths per year. Pests tend to get most of the headlines, and many people subscribe to the idea that the only `good bug' is a `dead one'. In fact there are many more `good bugs' than bad and some of them are so essential to man that we could not exist without them fulfilling their task. If all the honeybees were removed from the earth our ecosystem would rapidly be destroyed. Many other insects render valuable service in small unseen ways. Scientists presently recognize 28 Orders of the Class Insecta. The following is a listing of them as given by G. C. McGavin in Insects, American Nature Guides.

Note that there are some changes in the listing of the Orders of Insects. Most notable is the addition of Order names for Cockroaches, Mantids, Walking Sticks and the merger of Aphids, Cicadas and Hoppers into Hemiptera. Homoptera is no longer used as an Order. The descriptions given are sketchy, and should be used for quick reference and to stimulate further study. Of the 28 Orders listed, conscientious collectors should be able to find representatives of 16 to 18 Orders with a minimum of difficulty. The remaining 10 often will require a great deal more diligence and `luck'!!!! Some of those listed occupy small niches and are not readily available without a well planned field trip. Information adapted from American Nature Guides: Insects by George C. McGavin, Smithmark Publishers, N.Y., 1992.

Entomology Camp Update: The Second Annual Entomology Camp is set for June 4-8, 1995. At Tombigbee State Park, Tupelo, Ms.

This camp is for individuals, both adults and youth (over age 10) who want to learn about insects from experts. The camp will be taught by professors from the Entomology Department at Mississippi State, and is guaranteed to be both educational and fun!!!!

• LEARN HOW TO COLLECT, IDENTIFY, AND PRESERVE INSECTS!
• LEARN ABOUT UNIQUE CRITTERS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN, YET THEY LIVE ALL AROUND US!
• MAKE AN INSECT COLLECTION WITH HELP FROM THE EXPERTS!

Entomology enthusiasts from outside Mississippi are welcome to attend this camp.

The cost for the 5 day camp will be $90.00. Campers will arrive on Sunday afternoon and depart Thursday morning. Campers will be supplied with some collecting equipment and shown how to construct more. Insect collection boxes and insect pins will be available at the camp for purchase. T-shirts will also be available.

For more information and an application, contact:

Happy Bugging!