BIO 322 ENTOMOLOGY LABORATORY 10 FALL 2009

TRICHOPTERA & LEPIDOPTERA

The purpose of this lab is to identify the similarities and differences between Trichoptera and Lepidoptera. Discuss their ecological and economical importance. Note specific morphological and behavioral characteristics that would help you distinguish the two orders in the field. Observe how the specimens in each order are preserved and techniques involved in processing these specimens.

Lab assignment

1) Illustrate the differences in antennae of moths and butterflies and the family Hesperiidae.

2) Draw the crochet of a Pyralidae larvae.

3) Illustrate the major differences in the head of adult Trichoptera and Lepidoptera.

4) Illustrate the differences in the posterior ends of Trichoptera larvae and Lepidoptera larvae.

5) Draw the front and hind wing of a Nymphalidae and Danaeidae.

6) Draw the posterior end of a Sphingidae catterpillar.

7) Illustrate the differences in the wing patterns of Geometridae and Noctuidae.

8) Draw the front and hind wing of a Pterophoridae.

Systematics

1. Some trichopteran adults look remarkably like some moth adults. Is this by chance, or because of convergent evolution from unrelated lineages, or because they share a common phlylogeny? Do larval forms help in answering the question?

2. How can an adult trichoperan be distinguished from an adult lepidopteran?

3. What are the critical characters that distinguish larval caddisflies and moth caterpillars?

4. Many Lepidoptera have a proboscis for sucking liquids such as nectar, water, and some suck up even lachrymal fluid from large mammals. Many butterflies collect at wet sites to suck liquids, forming “puddle clubs” of many individuals and sometimes many species (Arms et al. 1974). From what mandibulate mouthparts are the lepidopteran proboscis elements derived, and what is the evidence to support your answer?

Biology

1. How are lepidopterans both beneficial and harmful in agriculture?

2. Two major types of mimicry exist within the Order Lepidoptera. What are these major types and examples of each? (Wickler 1968).

References

Arms, K., P. Feeny, and R. C. Lederhouse. 1974. Sodium: stimulus for puddling

behavior by tiger swallowtail butterflies, Papilio glaucus. Science 185: 372-374.

Metcalf, R. L. and R. A. Metcalf. 1993. Destructive and useful insects: Their habits and

control. 5th. ed. McGraw-Hill, New York.

Roitberg, B. D., and M. B. Isman (eds.). 1992. Insect chemical ecology: An

evolutionary approach. Chapman and Hall, New York.

Wickler, W. 1968. Mimicry in plants and animals. McGraw-Hill, New York.

Families to Know

Arctiidae (Tiger Moths, Footman Moths, Wasp Moths)

Geometridae (Measuring Worms, Inchworms)

Hesperiidae (Skippers)

Noctuidae (Owlet moths)

Nymphalidae (nymphalids)

Papilionidae (swallowtails)

Pieridae (whites, sulfurs, and orange tips)

Pterophoridae (Plume moths)

Pyralidae (snout and grass moths)

Saturnidae (Giant Silkworm Moths)

Sphingidae (Sphinx Moths)