UGA Bulletin

Course Description

Insect identification, classification, and phylogeny; collection and preparation techniques for insect specimens; introduction to theoretical and methodological aspects of systematics.

Athena Title

Insect Taxonomy

Prerequisite

ENTO 4000/6000-4000L/6000L or permission of department

Semester Course Offered

Offered fall

Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

Student learning Outcomes

Students will know the major evolutionary events in the phylogenetic history of Insecta. They will know the current classification of insects to the subordinal level for most taxa. They will be able to sight-identify common insects from the southeastern U.S. to the familial level.
Students will have experience with standard entomological techniques for trapping, handling, mounting, preserving, and identifying insects.

Topical Outline

1. The Science of Taxonomy 2. Origin of Arthropoda 3. Arthropodan diversity 4. Introduction to Phylogenetics 5. Hexapoda (Protura, Collembola, Diplura, Insecta) 6. Post-Darwinian Philosophies of Taxonomy 7. Basal Insecta (Microcoryphia, Thysanura, Ephemeroptera, Odonata) 8. Taxonomy of Taxonomic Literature 9. Basal Neoptera I (Plecoptera, Dermaptera, Grylloblattodea, Mantophasmatodea) 10. Basal Neoptera II (Embiidina, Phasmatodea, Orthoptera, Zoraptera) 11. Basal Neoptera III, Dictyoptera (Mantodea, Blattodea, Isoptera) 12. Paraneoptera I (Psocoptera, Phthiraptera, Thysanoptera) 13. Paraneoptera II (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha & Auchenorrhyncha) 14. Paraneoptera III (Hemiptera: Coleorrhyncha & Heteroptera) 15. Neuropterida (Neuroptera) 16. Coleoptera I 17. Coleoptera II 18. Strepsiptera and Antliophora I (Mecoptera, Siphonaptera) 19. Antliophora II (Diptera) 20. Antliophora III (Diptera cont.) 21. Amphiesmenoptera I (Trichoptera, Lepidoptera) 22. Amphiesmenoptera II (Lepidoptera cont.) 23. Hymenoptera I 24. Hymenoptera II 25. Holometabola overview 26. The Code of Zoological Nomenclature 27. Types of Types 28. Systematics in the future

Syllabus

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