The Insects of Kakwaland: Taxonomy-Part 1
Insects are among the most numerous living organisms on earth in terms of individual numbers and
species. Equally, they are among the most bio-divergent as far as scientific or taxonomic grouping is
concerned. Furthermore, they are so much successful so that they are distributed to all or most
habitable environments on earth, except in aquatic (water) environments, which is dominated by other
arthropods, crustaceans. The wide distribution of insects is attributed to their ability to fly. As much as
many insect species are living today, many of their ancestors are known to have gone extinct. Even so,
many species have not been discovered and classified. However, many species are discovered and
classified. Whereas some insects pose problems to humans in a variety of ways, many play a very
useful or beneficial role to humans in many respects. Although not all insect species can be found in
Kakwaland, there is a wide variety of insect species that serve as much a destructive role as they do
play a beneficial role to humans.
First off, the study of insects is called entomology. Insects refer to a class of invertebrate (without
backbones) animals within the phylum known as arthropoda (arthropods). Arthropods are characterized
by their bodies being divided into three distinct parts: head, thorax and abdomen. Unlike other animals
that have endoskeleton (inside the body) made of calcium and other substances, arthropods are known
to have exoskeleton (outside the body) made of a substance called chitin. Other arthropod features
include: three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes and a pair of antennae (the equivalent of horns in
some animals). The taxonomic class of insects is insecta or hexapoda, based on the six legs insects
have. In Kakwa language, insects are described as “siiri.”
Insects develop and live through variable life cycles. Commonly, most insects begin their life cycles
from hatching eggs. The subsequent development, however, is limited by the in-expandable external
skeleton (exoskeleton). As a result, growth goes through a series of molts. Each stage of development
may vary from each other in respects such as habitats, habits and structure. The developmental stages
through which the insects grow is called metamorphosis. Metamorphosis can be complete or
incomplete.
In a complete metamorphosis, development begins from the egg, hatching into a larva. Through a series
of molts, the larva develops into a pupa. Again, through a series of molts, the pupa emerges as an adult.
In short, a complete metamorphosis comprises of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. In contrast,
incomplete metamorphosis begins from egg through larva to a young adult called nymph. The nymph
gradually develops through serial molts into an adult. Stated otherwise, incomplete metamorphosis
involves three developmental stages: egg, larva, and adult. Metamorphosis is one of the key features
used in classification of insects.
The study of the principles of scientific classification is called taxonomy. There's continued debate and
research into both discovered and identified extinct, existing and undiscovered and unidentified, or
unclassified insects. The precise number of insect orders and species known to have gone extinct
millions of years ago remains unknown. However, with on-going research, more and more discoveries
of the extinct insect groups are being unraveled. Equally, the exact number of the discovered and
classified extant or living insects today is not known. Any number cited depends on the scientist(s) and
the year the number was reported. Generally, some scientists estimate the number of insect species
habiting planet earth at the range between six and ten million species. This is believed to represent
more than 90% of the different types of animals inhabiting the earth. The number of already discovered
and identified insect species, according to scientists, to be more than one million.
The taxonomy of insects begins from living things. Living things are divided into kingdoms. Kingdoms
are made up of phyla. Phyla (phylum-singular) consist of class(es). Classes, in turn, comprise of
order(s). Order(s) are made up of family(ies). Family(ies) consist of genera (genus-singular); and,
genera comprise of species. Given the on-going research and debate among taxonomists, most taxa
undergo further divisions. In some literature, there exist taxa using subscripts such as “super” or “sub”
to denote them such as sub-family, sub-order, or super-family. However, such subscripts are not used
here for purposes of simplicity of the document. There are a number of reasons for such practices. First,
everyday, new insects are being discovered and identified. Second, modern technology has added a
new dimension whereby the relationship between living organisms is increasingly based on
evolutionary relationships in terms of common ancestry.
Some examples can illustrate the use of phylogenetic relationships to create new and/or different taxa.
For instance, the colembola (springtails-indilikise), was considered as an order in class insecta. Given
phylogenetic (evolutionary) evidence, it was proven that the ancestor of insects is different from that of
springtails. Consequently, springtails emerged as a new class. Another examples is the class arachida
(spiders). The class was initially considered as an order of class insecta. That, too, has changed as
arachnida is a class separate from insecta based on the fact that the evolutionary ancestor of spiders was
found to be different from that of insects. Although today's literature treats arachnids as a separate class
without reservations, some taxonomists, especially those that prefer to use morphological features, still
treat springtails as an order (colembola) under class insecta. There's plenty of such literature.
Because insects are animals, the following are the taxa they belong to:
Kingdom: Animalia (animals)
Phylum: Arthropoda (arthropods)
Class: Insecta (insects) or Hexapoda (hexapods)
From class insecta or hexapoda, insects are divided into orders, families, genera, and species. From
kingdom down to species, the groups or taxa increase or diverge. In the reverse direction from species
to kingdom, the taxa decrease or converge. To put into perspective the taxonomy of insects, two
examples are used here: grasshopper (kodupo) and butterfly (lupapari). The choice of the two insects is
because grasshoppers are commonly an edible delicacy in Kakwaland while butterflies are very
abundant and beautifully coloured flying insects. In other parts of Uganda especially the Buganda
region, grasshoppers are called “nsenene.” Some of you may best know them as such, in case you may
not know the Kakwa name.
Edible Grasshopper (Kodupo)
Kingdom: Animalia (animals)
Phylum: Arthropoda (arthropods)
Class: Insecta (insects)/Hexapoda (hexapods)
Order: Orthoptera
Family: Acridae
Genus: Ruspolia
Species: nitidula
Common Name-edible grasshopper
Scientific Name-Ruspolia nitidula
Butterfly (Lupapari)
Kingdom: Animalia (animals)
Phylum: Arthropoda (arthropods)
Class: Insecta (insects)/Hexapoda (hexapods)
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Limenitis
Species: archippus
Common Name-viceroy butterfly
Scientific Name: Limenities archippus
The taxonomy of insects uses many features. Among the most commonly used features are wings and
metamorphosis. On the basis of wings, insects are divided into two sub-classes: apterygota and
pterygota. The apterygota are wingless and considered primitive insects. The pterygota, on the other
hand, are described as winged and secondarily without wings. Using the characteristic of
metamorphosis takes insect classification into another level. The characteristic places insects into three
groups based on lack of or differences in the type of metamorphosis as: apterygota, exopterygota and
endopterygota. In other words, pterygota is divided into exopterygota and endopterygota. The
apterygota have no metamorphosis; the exopterygota have incomplete metamorphos while the
endopterygota go through a complete metamorphosis. Since insects are a class (insecta/hexapoda), the
classification in this discussion begins from class down to species. This is where the classification of
Kakwaland insects begins. However, the Kakwa classification largely goes as far as family; not all the
way down to species. A few insects, though, do bear specific names. Besides, many have no names just
like in other parts of world.
The larva and pupa of some insects are just as active as the adults, since they do undertake locomotion
(movement), feeding, self defence, etc. Whether it is the larva or pupa stage, they are classified
according to the taxa of the adults. A few insect larvae have specific names. For example, the house fly
larva, which is a worm, is called maggot (kuru); butterfly larva is known as caterpillar (yugayuga).
Also, the larvae of many insects are referred to as worms (kuru). Some literature put the number of
insect orders at 24. Those with the highest insect species include: Coleoptera (beetles and weevils),
Diptera (true flies), Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps, sawflies, horntails), and Lepidoptera (butterflies
and moths). Some of the insect orders are presented as below with representative various taxa including
common names of species. The choice of representatives is such as to limit the size of the document.
ORDER-COLEOPTERA (BEETLES-LOKURUJOJO; WEEVILS-LOTRUTRURU)
Distinguishing Features:
•
Wings: two pairs of wings. The outside pair (forewings) are hard and protective. They are called
elytra. They split and spread when the insect needs to fly so the soft wings underneath (hind wings) can
be used
•
Mouth Parts: most have chewing mouthparts. Some have piercing mouthparts
•
Metamorphosis: complete (complex) metamorphosis
Table1: Examples of families, genera, species, and common names of insects in the order
coleoptera.
Family
Genus
Species
Common Name
Anthribidae
Araecerus
fasciculatus
coffee bean weevil
Bostrichidae
Dinoderus
minutus
bamboo powder-post beetle
Brentidae
Apion
occidentale
black sunflower stem weevil
Buprestidae
Melanophila
consputa
charcoal beetle
Buprestidae
Agrilus
ruficollis
red-necked cane borer
Cerambycidae
Chlorophorus
annularis
bamboo borer
Cerambycidae
Plectrodera
scalator
cottonwood borer
Cerambycidae
Phoracantha
semipunctata
eucalyptus long-horned borer
Cerambycidae
Ulochaetes
leoninus
lion beetle
Cerambycidae
Megacyllene
robiniae
locust borer
Chrysomelidae
Jonthonota
nigripes
black-legged tortoise beetle
Chrysomelidae
Cerotoma
trifurcata
bean leaf beetle
Chrysomelidae
Acanthoscelides
obtectus
bean weevil
Chrysomelidae
Diachus
auratus
bronze leaf beetle
Chrysomelidae
Oulema
melanopus
cereal leaf beetle
Chrysomelidae
Callosobruchus
maculatus
cowpea weevil
Chrysomelidae
Leptinotarsa
juncta
false potato beetle
Chrysomelidae
Bruchus
pisorum
pea weevil
Chrysomelidae
Chaetocnema
confinis
sweet potato flea beetle
Chrysomelidae;
Typophorus
nigritus viridicyaneus
sweet potato leaf beetle
Chrysomelidae
Epitrix
cucumeris
potato flea beetle
Chrysomelidae
Chaetocnema
denticulata
toothed flea beetle
Chrysomelidae
Microtheca
ochroloma
yellow margined leaf beetle
Coccinellidae
Rhyzobius
ventralis
black lady beetle (sungura)
Coccinellidae
Halmus
chalybeus
steel-blue lady beetle
Cryptophagidae
Cryptophagus
acutangulus
acute-angled fungus beetle
Curculionidae
Cosmopolites
sordidus
banana root borer
Curculionidae
Sternechus
paludatus
bean stalk weevil
Curculionidae
Ceutorhynchus
assimilis
cabbage seedpod weevil
Curculionidae
Listronotus
oregonensis
carrot weevil
Curculionidae
Sitophilus
granarius
granary weevil
Curculionidae
Macrocopturus
floridanus
mahogany bark weevil
Curculionidae
Sphenophorus
maidis
maize billbug
Curculionidae
Hypocryphalus
mangiferae
mango bark beetle
Curculionidae
Cryptorhynchus
mangiferae
mango weevil
Curculionidae
Metamasius
ritchiei
pineapple weevil
Curculionidae
Trichobaris
trinotata
potato stalk borer
Curculionidae
Sitophilus
oryzae
rice weevil
Curculionidae
Trichobaris
mucorea
tobacco stalk borer
Curculionidae
Listroderes
difficilis
vegetable weevil
Curculionidae
Nemocestes
incomptus
woods weevil
Curculionidae
Rhynchophorus
phoenicis
African palm weevil
Elateridae
Alaus
oculatus
eyed click beetle
Scarabaeidae
Digitonthophagus
gazella
brown dung beetle
Scarabaeidae
Copris
incertus
black dung beetle
Scarabaeidae
Tomarus
gibbosus
carrot beetle
Scarabaeidae
Protaetia
fusca
mango flower beetle
Scarabaeidae
Oryctes
rhinoceros
coconut rhinoceros beetle
Scarabaeidae
Oryzaephilus
surinamensis
saw-toothed grain beetle
Scarabaeidae
Euetheola
humilis rugiceps
sugarcane beetle
Scarabaeidae
Augosoma
centaurus
African scarab beetle
Tenebrionidae
Tribolium
audax
black flour beetle
Tenebrionidae
Cynaeus
angustus
larger black flour beetle
Tenebrionidae
Gnatocerus
maxillosus
slender-horned flour beetle
Tenebrionidae
Palorus
ratzeburgii
small-eyed flour beetle
ORDER-DIPTERA (TRUE FLIES: DOMESTIC FLIES-KADUŊA; MOSQUITOESMBUUMBUU/KIMURU; TSETSEFLIES-TOMINA; FRUIT FFLIES-KABILILI)
Distinguishing Features:
•
Wings: one pair - the hind wings are adapted structures called halterers which may help with
flying
•
Mouth parts: piercing and sucking
•
Metamorphosis: complete metamorphosis
Table 2: Examples of families, genera, species, and common names of insects in the order diptera.
Family Name
Genus Name
Species Name
Common Name
Agromyzidae
Ophiomyia
phaseoli
bean fly
Anthomyiidae
Delia
florilega
bean seed maggot
Anthomyiidae
Delia
radicum
cabbage maggot
Calliphoridae
Protocalliphora
Unknown
bird blow flies
Calliphoridae
Phormia
regina
black blow fly
Culicidae
Anopheles
quadrimaculatus
malaria mosquito
Culicidae
Culex
quinquefasciatus
Tularemia, West Nile
virus mosquito
Culicidae
Aedes
aegypti
yellow fever mosquito
Drosophilidae
Drosophila
melanogaster
fruit fly
Glossidae
Glossina
palpalis
tsetsefly
Glossidae
Glossina
morsitans
tsetsefly
Hippoboscidae
Pseudolynchia
canariensis
pigeon fly
Muscidae
Musca
domestica
house fly
Muscidae
Fannia
canicularis
little house fly
Muscidae
Fannia
scalaris
latrine fly
Muscidae
Fannia
pusio
chicken dung fly
Muscidae
Haematobia
irritans
horn fly
Muscidae
Atherigona
soccata
sorghum shoot fly
Psilidae
Psila
rosae
carrot rust fly
Platystomatidae
Rivellia
quadrifasciata
soybean nodule fly
Stratiomyidae
Hermetia
illucens
black soldier fly
Stratiomyidae
Exaireta
spinigera
blue soldier fly
Syrphidae
Eristalis
tenax
drone fly
Syrphidae
Eumerus
strigatus
onion bulb fly
Tephritidae
Toxotrypana
curvicauda
papaya fruit fly
ORDER-HYMENOPTERA (ANTS-LUGULUGU/SISI/MIKIMIKINYA, BEES-SIWA, WASPSLI'BILI'BI/IDIRILI, SAWFLIES, HORNTAILS)
Distinguishing Features:
•
Morphology: ants, bees, and wasps have a narrow junction between the thorax and
abdomensawflies and horntails have a broad junction between thorax and abdomen
•
Bees differ from wasps in being more hairy, with the body hairs branched, more robust, and the
first segment of the hind tarsi is usually elongated and flattened; two pairs of membranous wings.
•
Wings: some have wings (two pairs) and some are wingless
•
Mouth Parts: chewing mouthparts (ants), sucking mouthparts (honeybees)
•
Metamorphosis: complete metamorphosis
Table 3: Examples of families, genera, species, and common names of insects in the order
hymenoptera.
Family Name
Genus Name
Species Name
Common Name
Agaonidae
Blastophaga
psenes
fig wasp
Anthophoridae Xylocopa
virginica
carpenter bee
Apidae
Bombus
griseocollis
brown-belted bumble bee
Apidae
Bombus
vagans
half-black bumble bee
Apidae
Apis
mellifera
honey bee
Apidae
Bombus
huntii
hunt bumble bee
Apidae
Bombus
insularis
indiscriminate cuckoo bumble bee
Apidae
Bombus
citrinus
lemon cuckoo bumble bee
Apidae
Bombus
ternarius
tri-colored bumble bee
Apidae
Bombus
bimaculatus
two-spotted bumble bee
Apidae
Bombus
variabilis
variable cuckoo bumble bee
Apidae
Bombus
fervidus
yellow bumble bee
Apidae
Bombus
flavifrons
yellow head bumble bee
Apidae
Bombus
terricola
yellow-banded bumble bee
Bethylidae
Cephalonomia
waterstoni
parasitic grain wasp
Cimbicidae
Abia
inflata
honeysuckle sawfly
Evaniidae
Szepligetella
sericea
lesser ensign wasp
Formicidae
Lasius
alienus
maize field ant
Formicidae
Tetramorium
bicarinatum
Guinea ant
Formicidae
Carebara
vidua
African thief ant
Formicidae
Acanthomyops
interjectus
larger yellow ant
Formicidae
Camponotus
gigas
giant forest ant
Formicidae
Monomorium
minimum
little black ant
Formicidae
Wasmannia
auropunctata
little fire ant
Formicidae
Plagiolepis
alluaudi
little yellow ant
Formicidae
Anoplolepis
gracilipes
long-legged ant
Formicidae
Tapinoma
sessile
odorous house ant
Formicidae
Dorymyrmex
insanus
pyramid ant
Formicidae
Camponotus
chromaiodes
red carpenter ant
Formicidae
Camponotus
pennsylvanicus
black carpenter ant
Formicidae
Camponotus
nearcticus
smaller carpenter ant
Formicidae
Camponotus
crispulus
queen ant
Formicidae
Pogonomyrmex
barbatus
red harvester ant
Formicidae
Acanthomyops
claviger
smaller yellow ant
Formicidae
Solenopsis
geminata
tropical fire ant
Formicidae
Camponotus
consobrinus
sugar ant
Formicidae
Longinoda
Oecophylla
weaver ants
Formicidae
Dorylus
burmeisteri
army ants
Formicidae
Pachycondyla
analis
ponerine ants
Sphecidae
Liris
aurulentus
golden cricket wasp
Tenthredinidae Tomostethus
multicinctus
brown-headed ash sawfly
Tenthredinidae Pachynematus
extensicornis
grass sawfly
Tenthredinidae Pristiphora
erichsonii
larch sawfly
Tenthredinidae Ametastegia
pallipes
violet sawfly
Vespidae
Polistes
aurifer
golden paper wasp
Vespidae
Pachodynerus
nasidens
keyhole wasp
Vespidae
Delta
latreillei petiolare
orange-tailed potter wasp
Vespidae
Delta
campaniforme
campaniforme
yellow and black potter wasp
ORDER-LEPIDOPTERA (BUTTERFLY-LUPAPARI AND MOTH-KAPAPARI)
Distinguishing Features:
•
Butterflies and moths: butterflies are diurnal (more commonly active in the daytime); moths are
nocturnal (more active during nighttime). Also, moths posses more feathered antenae and hairy bodies
than butterflies
•
Wings: adults have two pairs of large wings covered with protective scales.
•
Mouth parts: sucking mouthparts; larvae (young stages) have chewing mouthparts
•
Metamorphosis: complete metamorphosis.
Table 4: Examples of families, genera, species, and common names of insects in the order
lepidoptera.
Family Name
Genus Name
Species Name
Common Name
Bedellidae
Bedellia
orchilella
sweet potato leaf miner
Bucculatricidae
Bucculatrix
thurberiella
cotton leaf perforator
Cossidae
Zeuzera
pyrina
leopard moth
Crambidae
Maruca
vitrata
bean pod borer
Crambidae
Evergestis
pallidata
purple-backed cabbage worm
Crambidae
Diatraea
saccharalis
sugarcane borer
Crambidae
Omiodes
accepta
sugarcane leaf roller
Crambidae
Omphisa
anastomosalis
sweet potato vine borer
Danaidae
Danaus
plexippus
monarch butterfly
Elachistidae
Stenoma
catenifer
avocado seed moth
Erebidae
Utetheisa
ornatrix
bella moth
Erebidae
Ascalapha
odorata
black witch
Erebidae
Euproctis
chrysorrhoea
brown tail moth
Erebidae
Lymantria
dispar
gypsy moth
Eutellidae
Penicillaria
jocosatrix
mango shoot caterpillar
Gelechiidae
Platyedra
subcinerea
cotton stem moth
Gelechiidae
Phthorimaea
operculella
potato tuber worm
Gelechiidae
Keiferia
lycopersicella
tomato pin-worm
Gracillariidae
Phyllocnistis
meliacella
mahogany leaf miner
Hesperiidae
Erionota
thrax
banana skipper
Hesperiidae
Urbanus
proteus
bean leaf roller
Lycaenidae
Lampides
boeticus
bean butterfly
Lycaenidae
Vaga
blackburni
blackburn butterfly
Noctuidae
Autoplusia
egena
bean leaf skeletonizer
Noctuidae
Actebia
fennica
black army cutworm
Noctuidae
Agrotis
ipsilon
black cutworm
Noctuidae
Trichoplusia
ni
cabbage looper
Noctuidae
Acronicta
lepusculina
cotton wood dagger moth
Noctuidae
Hydraecia
micacea
potato stem borer
Noctuidae
Melanchra
picta
zebra caterpillar
Nymphalidae
Limenitis
archippus
viceroy butterfly
Oecophoridae
Hofmannophila
pseudospretella
brown house moth
Papilionidae
Papilio
demoleus
lime swallowtail
Plutellidae
Plutella
xylostella
diamond back moth
Pyralidae
Melitara
dentata
blue cactus borer
Pyralidae
Cactoblastis
cactorum
cactus moth
Pyralidae
Galleria
mellonella
greater wax moth
Pyralidae
Corcyra
cephalonica
rice moth
Pyralidae
Homoeosoma
electellum
sunflower moth
Pyralidae
Ephestia
elutella
tobacco moth
Saturniidae
Actias
luna
luna moth
Saturniidae
Gonimbrasia
belina
emperor moth
Sphingidae
Manduca
quinquemaculata
tomato horn worm
Sphingidae
Herse
convovuli
hawk moth
Tineidae
Erechthias
flavistriata
sugarcane bud moth
Tineidae
Tineola
bisselliella
webbing clothes moth
Tortricidae
Cochylis
hospes;
banded sunflower moth
Tortricidae
Epiblema
otiosana
bidens borer
Tortricidae
Rhopobota
naevana
black-headed fire worm
Tortricidae
Archips
argyrospila
fruit tree leaf roller
Tortricidae
Cydia
nigricana
pea moth
ORDER-HEMIPTERA (APHIDS, HOPPERS, BUGS-TOMUKO)
Distinguishing Features:
•
True Bugs: thick front wings at base and membranous at the tip; at rest the tips overlap;
antennae has 4 or 5 segments; sucking beak-like mouth parts
•
Aphis, hoppers, Cicadas, etc: piercing-sucking mouth parts; beak arises at rear of head.
Table 5: Examples of families, genera, species, and common names of insects in the order
hemiptera.
Family Name
Genus Name
Species Name
Common Name
Aleyrodidae
Trialeurodes
floridensis
avocado white fly
Aleyrodidae
Trialeurodes
abutiloneus
banded-winged white fly
Aleyrodidae
Singhius
hibisci
hibiscus white fly
Aleyrodidae
Aleurocanthus
spiniferus
orange spiny white fly
Aleyrodidae
Aleurocanthus
woglumi
citrus black fly
Aleyrodidae
Dialeurodes
citri
citrus white fly
Aleyrodidae
Bemisia
tabaci
sweet potato white fly
Aphididae
Pentalonia
nigronervosa
banana aphid
Aphididae
Aphis
fabae
bean aphid
Aphididae
Toxoptera
aurantii
black citrus aphid
Aphididae
Monellia
caryella
black-margined aphid
Aphididae
Toxoptera
citricidus
brown citrus aphid
Anthocoridae
Orius
insidiosus
insidious flower bug
Aphididae
Brevicoryne
brassicae
cabbage aphid
Aphididae
Rhopalosiphum
maidis
maize leaf aphid
Aphididae
Aphis
gossypii
cotton aphid
Aphididae
Aphis
craccivora
cowpea aphid
Aphididae
Schizaphis
graminum
green bug
Aphididae
Phorodon humuli
humuli
hop aphid
Aphididae
Neotoxoptera
formosana
Onion aphid
Aphididae
Acyrthosiphon
pisum
pea aphid
Aphididae
Macrosiphum
euphorbiae
potato aphid
Aphididae
Rhopalosiphum
rufiabdominale
rice root aphid
Aphididae
Aphis
glycines
soybean aphid
Aphididae
Melanaphis
sacchari
sugarcane aphid
Aphididae
Myzus
persicae ssp. nicotianae tobacco aphid
Aphididae
Neotoxoptera
violae
violet aphid
Aphididae
Sipha
flava
yellow sugarcane aphid
Cicadidae
Magicicada
septendecim
periodical cicada
Cicadidae
Meimuna
opalifera
cicada
Cicadidae
Afzeliada
afzelii
none
Cicadidae
Sadaka
radiata
none
Cicadidae
Ugada
limbalis
none
Cicadidae
Monomatapa
insignis
none
Cicadellidae
Acinopterus
angulatus
angulate leaf hopper
Cicadellidae
Graminella
nigrifrons
black-faced leaf hopper
Cicadellidae
Dalbulus
maidis
maize leaf hopper
Cicadellidae
Balclutha
incisa hospes
Little green leaf hopper
Cicadellidae
Endria
inimica
painted leaf hopper
Cicadellidae
Empoasca
fabae
potato leaf hopper
Cicadellidae
Nephotettix
nigropictus
rice leaf hopper
Cimicidae
Cimex
lectularius
bed bug
Cydnidae
Pangaeus
bilineatus
peanut burrower bug
Geocoridae
Geocoris
bullatus
large big-eyed bug
Membracidae
Stictocephala
bisonia
buffalo tree hopper
Miridae
Pycnoderes
quadrimaculatus
bean capsid
Miridae
Pseudatomoscelis
seriatus
cotton flea hopper
Miridae
Halticus
bractatus
garden flea hopper
Miridae
Blepharidopterus
chlorionis
honey locust plant bug
Miridae
Labopidea
allii
onion plant bug
Miridae
Lygus
elisus
pale legume bug
Miridae
Engytatus
modestus
tomato bug
Pentatomidae
Euschistus servus
servus
brown stink bug
Pentatomidae
Agonoscelis
versicolor
Sudan sorghum bug
Plataspidae
Megacopta
cribraria
kudzu bug
Pseudococcidae
Chaetococcus
bambusae
bamboo mealy bug
Pseudococcidae
Dysmicoccus
neobrevipes
gray pineapple mealybug
Pseudococcidae
Dysmicoccus
boninsis
gray sugarcane mealybug
Pseudococcidae
Rhizoecus
falcifer
ground mealy bug
Pseudococcidae
Nipaecoccus
viridis
hibiscus mealy bug
Pseudococcidae
Paracoccus
marginatus
papaya meal bug
Pseudococcidae
Dysmicoccus
brevipes
pineapple mealybug
Pseudococcidae
Saccharicoccus
sacchari
Pink sugarcane mealy bug
Reduviidae
Triatoma
rubrofasciata
large kissing bug
Thyreocoridae
Corimelaena
pulicaria
black bug
Tingidae
Corythucha
gossypii
cotton lace bug
Tingidae
Gargaphia
solani
eggplant lace bug
ORDER-ORTHOPTERA (GRASSHOPPERS-KODUPO/KILA KILA, LOCUSTSUBIUBI/KARUWA/MAYA/ARABA, CRICKETS-ITIRILIYA)
Distinguishing Features:
•
Back legs: large, built for jumping
•
Wings: two pairs of long wings; others have no wings
•
Mouth parts: chewing mouth-parts
•
Metamorphosis: incomplete (simple) metamorphosis; nymphs resemble small variant of the
adults with immature wings
Table 6: Examples of families, genera, species, and common names of insects in the order
orthoptera.
Family Name
Genus Name
Species Name
Common Name
Acrididae
Melanoplus
femurrubrum
red-legged grasshopper
Acrididae
Chortophaga
viridifasciata
green-striped grasshopper
(araba)
Acrididae
Melanoplus
sanguinipes
migratory grasshopper
Acrididae
Melanoplus
packardii
packard grasshopper
Acrididae
Trimerotropis
pallidipennis
pallid-winged grasshopper
Acrididae
Aularches
miliaris
spotted grasshopper (kila kila)
Acrididae
Melanoplus
bivittatus
two-striped grasshopper
Acrididae
Zonocerus
variegatus
variegated grasshopper
Acrididae
Ruspolia
nitidula
edible grasshopper
Acrididae
Locusta
migratoria
migratory locusts (maya)
Acrididae
Locustana
pardalina
S. African migratory locust
(maya)
Acrididae
Nomadacris
septemfasciata
red locust (karuwa)
Acrididae
Nomadacris
septemfasciata
smaller yellow-black locust
(ubiubi)
Gryllidae
Acheta
domesticus
house cricket
Gryllotalpidae
Scapteriscus
didactylus
changa
Gryllotalpidae
Scapteriscus
abbreviatus
short-winged mole cricket
Oecanthidae
Oecanthus
quadripunctatus
four-spotted tree cricket
Pyrgomorphidae
Atractomorpha
sinensis
pink-winged grasshopper
Tettigoniidae
Microcentrum
rhombifolium
broad-winged katydid
Tettigoniidae
Ruspolia
differens
edible grasshopper
Tettigoniidae
Peranabrus
scabricollis
coulee cricket
Tettigoniidae
Scudderia
furcata
fork-tailed bush katydid
Tettigoniidae
Anabrus
simplex
mormon cricket
ORDER-ACARI (TICKS AND MITES-MASIRA)
Distinguishing Features:
Table 7: Examples of families, genera, species, and common names of insects in the order acari.
Family Name
Genus Name
Species Name
Common Name
Acaridae
Acarus
siro
grain mite
Acaridae
Tyrophagus
putrescentiae
mold mite
Analgidae
Megninia
cubitalis
feather mite
Argasidae
Otobius
megnini
ear tick
Demodicidae
Demodex
bovis
cattle follicle mite
Dermanyssidae
Dermanyssus
gallinae
chicken mite
Eriophyidae
Aceria
sheldoni
citrus bud mite
Eriophyidae
Acalitus
gossypii
cotton blister mite
Eriophyidae
Aceria
fica
fig mite
Eriophyidae
Aceria
mangiferae
mango bud mite
Eriophyidae
Aculops
lycopersici
tomato russet mite
Glycyphagidae
Gohieria
fusca
brown flour mite
Glycyphagidae
Glycyphagus
domesticus
house mite
Ixodidae
Rhipicephalus
sanguineus
brown dog mite
Ixodidae
Boophilus
annulatus
cattle tick
Ixodidae
Amblyomma
americanum
lone star tick
Ixodidae
Haemaphysalis
leporispalustris
rabbit tick
Ixodidae
Ixodes kingi
kingi
rotund tick
Macronyssidae
Liponyssoides
sanguineus
house mouse mite
Macronyssidae
Ornithonyssus
bacoti
tropical rat mite
Macronyssidae
Ornithonyssus
bursa
tropical fowl mite
Sarcoptidae
Sarcoptes
bovis
cattle itch mite
Siteroptidae
Siteroptes
graminum
grass mite
Tarsonemidae
Acarapis
woodi
honey bee mite
Tarsonemidae
Polyphagotarsonemus
latus
broad mite
Tarsonemidae
Steneotarsonemus
bancrofti
sugarcane stalk mite
Tenuipalpidae
Brevipalpus
lewisi
citrus flat mite
Tenuipalpidae
Brevipalpus
phoenicis
red and black flat mite
Tetranychidae
Bryobia
rubrioculus
brown mite
Tetranychidae
Panonychus
citri
citrus red mite
Tetranychidae
Oligonychus
mangiferus
mango spider mite
Tetranychidae
Dolichotetranychus
floridanus
pineapple false spider mite
Tetranychidae
Oligonychus
indicus
sugarcane leaf mite
ORDER-ANOPLURA (LOUSE-GO'BOLO)
Distinguishing Features:
•
Snout (proboscis) short, unjointed
•
Body long and narrow
•
Tarsi of legs with one large, hooked claw
• Permanent parasites of birds and mammals
Table 8: Examples of families, genera, species, and common names of insects in the order
phthiraptera.
Family Name
Genus Name
Species Name
Common Name
Haematopinidae
Haematopinus
eurysternus
short-nosed cattle louse
Haematopinidae
Haematopinus
quadripertusus
cattle tail louse
Hoplopleuridae
Hoplopleura
pacifica
tropical rat louse
Linognathidae
Linognathus
setosus
dog sucking louse
Linognathidae
Linognathus
stenopsis
goat sucking louse
Linognathidae
Solenopotes
capillatus
little blue cattle louse
Linognathidae
Linognathus
vituli
long-nosed cattle louse
Menoponidae
Menacanthus
stramineus
chicken body louse
Menoponidae
Trinoton
querquedulae
large duck louse
Pediculidae
Pediculus
humanus humanus
body louse
Pediculidae
Pediculus
humanus capitis
head louse
Philopteridae
Goniodes
dissimilis
brown chicken louse
Philopteridae
Cuclotogaster
heterographus
chicken head louse
Philopteridae
Goniodes
gigas
large chicken louse
Philopteridae
Anaticola
crassicornis
slender duck louse
Philopteridae
Columbicola
columbae
slender pigeon louse
Philopteridae
Campanulotes
bidentatus compar
small pigeon louse
Polyplacidae
Haemodipsus
ventricosus
rabbit louse
Polyplacidae
Polyplax
spinulosa
spined rat louse
Trichodectidae
Felicola
subrostratus
cat louse
Trichodectidae
Bovicola
bovis
cattle biting louse
Trichodectidae
Trichodectes
canis
dog biting louse
Trichodectidae
Bovicola
caprae
goat biting louse
Trichodectidae
Bovicola
ovis
sheep biting louse
ORDER – ODONATA (DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES-LI'BILI'BIRU)
Distinguishing Features
•
The young (larvae) are called naiads and live in the water (aquatic), so adults are found around
water-body areas where they can mate and lay eggs. They are predators with large eyes for spotting
prey and strong flight for catching prey
•
Wings: dragonflies hold their wings flat and out from their bodies, while damselflies hold their
wings together and pulled into the body; have two pairs of long wings
•
Mouth parts: chewing mouth-parts; naiads with piercing mouth-parts for catching underwater
prey
•
Metamorphosis: incomplete metamorphosis
Table 9: Examples of families, genera, species, and common names of insects in the order odonata.
Family Name
Genus Name
Species Name
Common Name
Aeshnidae
Anax
junius
darner dragonflies
Aeshnidae
Pseudagrion
citricola,
yellow-faced sprite
Aeshnidae
Pseudagrion
commoniae
black sprite
Aeshnidae
Olpogastra
lugubris
slender bottletail
Libellulidae
Nesogonia
blackburni
blackburn dragonfly
Libellulidae
Trithemis
arteriosa
dropwings dragonfly
Libellulidae
Notiothemis
jonesi
forest-watcher
Coenagrionidae
Phaon
iridipennis
glistening demoiselle
Corduliidae
Hemicordulia
africana
African emerald
Gomphidae
Ceratogomphus
pictus
common thorntail
Gomphidae
Lestinogomphus
angustus
Spined Fairytail
Gomphidae
Phyllogomphus
brunneus
bold leaftail
Platycnemididae
Mesocnemis
singularis
Riverjack
Platycnemididae
Elattoneura
glauca,
common threadtail
Platycnemididae
Allocnemis
leucosticta
goldtail
ORDER – DICTYOPTERA (MANTIDS-SI'DETA-TI-GBORO AND COCKROACHSKOKOROCI)
Distinguishing Features
•
Antenae: long, thin antennae with many segments
•
Wings: two pairs of wings. The forewings are often adapted as tougher coverings and held flat
over the back. Some lack wings
•
Body dorsoventrally flattened (Cockroaches)
•
Fore-legs modified for grasping and holding, predatory (Preying Mantids)
•
Mouthparts: biting mouthparts
•
Metamorphosis: incomplete metamorphosis: nymphs looking like small versions of the adults
(with underdeveloped wings)
Table 10: Examples of families, genera, species, and common names of insects in the order dictyoptera.
Family Name
Genus Name
Species Name
Common Name
Blattidae
Periplaneta
brunnea
brown cockroach
Blattidae
Periplaneta
americana
American cockroach
Blattidae
Supella
longipalpa
brown-headed cockroach
Blattidae
Neostylopyga
rhombifolia
harlequin cockroach
Mantidae
Tarachodes
saussurei
praying mantis
Mantidae
Tenodera
augustipennis
narrow-winged mantid
Mantidae
Orthodera
burmeisteri
burmeister mantid
ORDER- ISOPTERA (TERMITES-KOLORO, WHITE ANTS-KOŊA)
Distinguishing Features:
•
Tarsi of legs with four segments
•
Bodies: pale, soft-bodied
•
Habitat: living in wood or soil
•
Size: small insects, generally much less than 1 inch. (25 mm.) in length with
•
Antennae: long
• Wing position: folded flat over body
Table 12: Examples of families, genera, species and common names of insects in the order
isoptera.
Family Name
Genus Name
Species Name
Common Name
Macrotermitinae
Hodotermes
mossambicus
harvester termite
Macrotermitinae
Acanthotermes
militaris
Soldier termite
Macrotermitinae
Macrotermes
bellicosus
white ant/flying termite
Macrotermitinae
Macrotermes
natalensis
smaller white ant/flying termite
Kalotermitidae
Neotermes
connexus
forest tree termite
Kalotermitidae
Incisitermes
immigrans
lowland tree termite
Rhinotermitidae
Reticulitermes
flavipes
subterranean termite
Termitidae
Nasutitermes
corniger
cone head/worker termite
ORDER-SIPHONAPTERA (FLEA-LUGBAKI)
Distinguishing Features:
•
Body: flattened from side to side, hard and bristly
•
Legs: strong and used for jumping
• Location: found on bodies of birds and mammals
Table 11: Examples of families, genera, species, and common names of insects in the order
siphonaptera .
Family Name
Genus Name
Species Name
Common Name
Leptopsyllidae
Leptopsylla
segnis
mouse flea
Pulicidae
Ctenocephalides
felis
cat flea
Pulicidae
Ctenocephalides
canis
dog flea
Document Prepared by : Andrew Aleli.