Systematics is the backbone of all life science studies as it provides essentials to study biology. The subject matter forms the tool to study biodiversity. Insects form a greater part of biodiversity. Considering this vast diversity of insects, there is a need to explore the diversity of the insects. Taxonomy being a part of systematic presents a huge potential to study the systematics.

Insects are the most successful arthropods in animal kingdom. They are found in almost all habitats on earth except for the frozen polar environments at the highest altitudes and in the immediate vicinity of active volcanoes. They are the only invertebrate animal (animals without backbones) with wings. The success of insects on the planet is due to their ability to fly and rapidly colonize new habitats. The study of insects is called entomology and entomologists are those scientists who study about insects.

Characters  Three orders i.e. protura, diplura and collembolan are group together as Entognatha because the mouth parts are withdrawn into the head Antennal flagellum (if present) are masculated

Characters Two orders i.e. Archaeognatha & Thysanura are grouped together as Ectognatha because the mouth parts are more or less exposed and not covered by cranial fold.

Characters Palaeoptera world derive from New latin word pale means old and ptera means wings Two order i.e Ephimeroptera and Odonata comes under this grops because wings can not fold over abdomen at time of rest.

Characters Mouthparts biting type Wing venation usually well developed with numerous cross veins. Cerci present

Common characters Modification of mandiblate mouth parts into sucking-piercing or suctorial type. Absence of anal lobe in hind wing.

Wings develop internally  Metamorphosis complete  Immature stages (larvae) differ from adults in structure, habitat and feeding habits  Pupal stage present, e.g. all holometabolus insects

Why Make an Insect Collection? An insect collection helps develop personal identification skills.  An insect collection can be used to display insects or insect features so that others may learn about them. An insect collection can allow you to better observe details of insect structures and how they function.

9.1 Multiple Choice Questions 1 Which insect order is close related to Diptera? a) Hymenoptera b) Orthoptera c) Plecoptera d) Zygentoma