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ENTM 4500 -Insect Taxonomy and Morphology
(Formerly 38.450)
Instructor-- R.E. Roughley, 213A Animal Science and Entomology Bldg.
Telephone Number--474-6023
E-mail – Rob_Roughley@umanitoba.ca
2005
Overview--Incorporation of theoretical aspects about insect form and structure as well as
taxonomy into practical projects on a group of insects of the student’s choice. Students
are required to make or have available a collection of 25 to 50 species (adults and/or
immatures), preserved in different ways. These specimens will form part of the basis of
projects in taxonomy and morphology. Students will complete independent projects on
the morphology and systematics of their study taxon.
In 2007 we could examine the methods of learning about the taxonomy of a
fauna. Essentially we will consider how one would approach the study of a group of
organisms of an area (e.g. back yard to the world). The procedure will be adaptable to
study of any fauna of invertebrates at any given locality.
The basic form and structure of insects will be demonstrated using a generalized
plan of the insect body. Lectures and labs are designed to have students extend this
knowledge to the study of their group of interest. Larvae of insects with complete
metabolism will be emphasized because of the large differences between immature and
adult body form.
Principles of insect systematics will be reviewed with emphasis on concepts of
higher taxa, genera and species, phylogeny and zoogeography. The existing
classification of arthropods and insects will be reviewed. Also given consideration will
be the role of museums and the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.
There is no required text. A recommmended text is -- Borror, D.J., C.A. Triplehorn and N.F.
Johnson. 1989. An introduction to the study of insects. Sixth Edition. Saunders College
Publishing. Philadelphia. xiv + 875 pp.
Grading
Insect Morphology Project ........................................................................................................ 20%
Insect Systematics Project.......................................................................................................... 20%
Assignment #1 (Library) ............................................................................................................ 10%
Library Assignment #2 (References) ......................................................................................... 10%
Library Assignment #3 (MB Checklist) .................................................................................... 10%
Mid-term Examination (Friday, Oct. 12) ................................................................................... 10%
Final Examination (TBA) .......................................................................................................... 20%
The mid-term and final examinations are based on the lecture material. The library
assignments are individualized projects which encompass the typical kinds of work done by
insect taxonomists. The insect morphology project will be the development of a lab manual
about the structure of your group of insects (head, thorax and abdomen, male and female
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genitalia). You may use literature sources as well as your own specimens for this project. The
project about systematics will allow you to trace the historical development of the group from
1758 to the present and to examine the evolution of the group by means of the classification.
The end goal of the class project, outlined above, would be to develop a synthesis of information
about the larvae of ground beetles of tallgrass prairie (or the group of your choice) which would
be suitable for instruction of a junior undergraduate working as your summer field assistant.
You should keep in mind the requirements of a knowledgeable field biologist with no first hand
experience in structure and classification of the insects you are studying.
Deadlines.
Most of the projects in this class are due on the last day of classes. Failure to submit
work by the deadline will incur a penalty of 5% of the maximum possible mark
for the item per working day. In order to pass the course, all items for which a
mark is allocated (see above) must be completed and submitted.
There will be no classes on Monday, October 8, 2007 (Thanksgiving).
Voluntary withdrawal. The last date for voluntary withdrawal without academic penalty is
November 16th, 2007. The lecture midterm examination (10%) will be marked
and returned before this deadline. The three assignments (3 x 10%) can also be
turned in before this date, if you decide to do so. The final date for receipt of
these assignments is the last day of classes. If they are turned in early then I will
mark them and return them to you before the voluntary withdrawal date.
Plagiarism, cheating, and impersonation at examinations.
These are considered serious offences in an academic environment. Policies
definitions and penalties for these offences are discussed in the University of
Manitoba General Calendar. Students requiring clarification of what constitutes
plagiarism in this course should consult the instructor.
Tentative Lecture Schedule1
Lecture #
Sept.8.
1.
2.
3
4-6.
7-9.
Topic
Course syllabus distributed.
Evolution.
Evolution of Arthropoda
Evolution of Insecta.
Structure of the insect head.
Structure of the insect thorax.
The normal method of lectures in this course is that I provide you with
photocopied notes, which you read and we discuss in class. Therefore you have the
responsibility of reading the notes and I have the responsibility of making sure
that you understand them.
1
3
10.
11-13.
14-16.
17-18.
19-21.
22-24.
25-26.
27-29.
30-31.
32-33.
34-35.
36-38.
Structure of the insect abdomen.
Structure of insect genitalia.
Systematic procedure.
Classification of Apterygota and Paleoptera.
Classification of lower Neoptera.
Classification of higher Neoptera.
Concept of the taxon.
Species definition and recognition.
Generic definition and recogniton.
Family-group name definition and recognition.
International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.
Zoogeography of selected groups of insects.
Tentative Lab Schedule
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Insect Head.
Insect Thorax.
Insect Abdomen.
Male genitalia.
Female genitalia.
Student project on insect morphology.
Review of orders of Apterygota and Paleoptera.
Review of orders of lower Neoptera.
Review of orders of higher Neoptera.
Review of orders of higher Neoptera.
Review of features of larval Holometabola.
Student project on insect systematics