Act2 Entom
Defining the Insect’s mouthparts, its modification and its association in aiding pest control management
Nina Arra DJ. Rivera
Biology Student, Department of Biology, College of Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
ABSTRACT
Classifications of insect mouthparts are based on the manner insects feed on plants. Insect mouthparts are of two main types: chewing and piercing-sucking. Some insects have modifications of these two basic types. A study in the modifications of mouthparts in insects was conducted. Insects with different mouthparts (grasshopper, honeybee, mosquito, butterfly and housefly) were caught within the premises of Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The heads were isolated from the body and the mouthparts were observed and identified with the use of microscope. Modified mouthparts were classified. Biting and chewing mouthparts are the most general type. Chewing and biting type of mouthparts grasp food with the use of their strong jaws. Piercing-sucking insects modified to have ‘sucking tubes’ that can pierce. The stylets served to move up and down to their victim. The sponging type of modification pumps saliva by their labium which served as their modified lip. Other common modifications enable particular insects to collect liquid food with long, coiled tubes or spongelike structures. The saliva wets and partially liquefies the food so it can be sponged up into the mouth. The long proboscis in siphoning type of insect was adapted for the sucking up of nectar from a flower. Identification of mouthparts is a key to correct diagnosis of insect damage, which in turn is critical to selecting correct control tactics. If the insect is a sucking type, scientist can make a pest control in a liquid type and if it is a chewing or biting type, they can make a pest control that is in a solid form.
Keywords: Insect mouthparts, pest control, mandibulate haustallate
INTRODUCTION
The ecological roles that animals play in
Nina Arra DJ. Rivera
Biology Student, Department of Biology, College of Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
ABSTRACT
Classifications of insect mouthparts are based on the manner insects feed on plants. Insect mouthparts are of two main types: chewing and piercing-sucking. Some insects have modifications of these two basic types. A study in the modifications of mouthparts in insects was conducted. Insects with different mouthparts (grasshopper, honeybee, mosquito, butterfly and housefly) were caught within the premises of Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The heads were isolated from the body and the mouthparts were observed and identified with the use of microscope. Modified mouthparts were classified. Biting and chewing mouthparts are the most general type. Chewing and biting type of mouthparts grasp food with the use of their strong jaws. Piercing-sucking insects modified to have ‘sucking tubes’ that can pierce. The stylets served to move up and down to their victim. The sponging type of modification pumps saliva by their labium which served as their modified lip. Other common modifications enable particular insects to collect liquid food with long, coiled tubes or spongelike structures. The saliva wets and partially liquefies the food so it can be sponged up into the mouth. The long proboscis in siphoning type of insect was adapted for the sucking up of nectar from a flower. Identification of mouthparts is a key to correct diagnosis of insect damage, which in turn is critical to selecting correct control tactics. If the insect is a sucking type, scientist can make a pest control in a liquid type and if it is a chewing or biting type, they can make a pest control that is in a solid form.
Keywords: Insect mouthparts, pest control, mandibulate haustallate
INTRODUCTION
The ecological roles that animals play in
References: Carroll, Steven B., and Steven D. Salt. 2004. Ecology for Gardeners. Portland, Ore.: Timber Press. Dreistadt, Steve H. 2004. Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs. Davis: Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project, University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.