Updated 8 November 2019

A comparative study of the major structures and organ systems emphasizing modifications important in the success of insects. Prerequisites: ENT 3014 or equivalent. (2H, 3L, 3C) odd years. Lecture MW 10:10-11:00. Lab M 1:25-4:10. Price 221

Instructor

Douglas G. Pfeiffer
205C Price Hall (1-4183)
dgpfeiff@vt.edu

Justification and Educational Objectives

A thorough knowledge of insect morphology is essential to a well trained entomologist. It is considered to be the first course in a formal course series which includes Insect Physiology and Insecticide Toxicology (or Insect Behavior), all of which are 6000 level courses. The objectives of this course are:

 
• 1. To provide students with an understanding of the comparative morphology of insect organ systems.
• 2. To help students understand how the morphology of a structure is related to its function.

 
• Chapman, R.F., S.J. Simpson and A. E. Douglas. 2013. The Insects: Structure and Function. Fifth Ed. Cambridge Univ. Press. 929 pp. (Required text $75.00; Available in Kindle Store $48.00).
  
• Snodgrass, R.E. 1935. Principles of Insect Morphology. McGraw-Hill. New York. 667 pp. (1993 reprint, Cornell Univ., Ithaca) (Optional text, $39.95)
  
• A Laboratory Manual for Insect Structure and Function. ca. 90 pp.

 
• Barrington, E.J.W. 1979. Invertebrate Structure and Function. 2nd ed. Nelson & Sons, Middlesex UK. 765 p.
• Triplehorn, C. and N. F. Johnson.  2005. Borror and De LOng's An Introduction to the Study of Insects. 7th Ed. Thomson Brooks-Cole, Belmont CA  864 p.
• Eaton, J. L. 1988. Lepidopteran Anatomy. Wiley, NY. 257 p.
• Grimaldi, D. and M. S. Engel.  2005. Evolution of the Insects. Cambridge. N.Y. 755 p.
  
• Hinton, H. E. 1981. Biology of Insect Eggs. Vol. 1-3, Pergamon Press, Oxford.
• Matsuda, R. 1965. Morphology and evolution of the insect head. Mem. Am Entomol. Inst. No. 4. 334 p.
• Matsuda, R. 1970. Morphology and evolution of the insect thorax. Mem. Entomol. Soc. Canada. No. 76. 431 p.
• Matsuda, R. 1976. Morphology and evolution of the insect abdomen. Pergamon, NY. 534 p.
• Nation, J. L.  2002.  Insect Physiology and Biochemistry. CRC Press, NY.485 p.
• Rempel, J.G. 1975. The Evolution of the Insect Head: The Endless Dispute. Quaestiones Entomologicae 11, 7-25..
• Arthropod Structure & Development (formerly International Journal of Insect Morphology and Embryology)
• Morphology module from University of Alberta
• Arizona Tree of Life project: Hexapoda

Topic (Number of Lectures)

 
• Arthropodization (2) 8%

 
• The Integument (1) 4%

 
• Insect Head (5) 20%
 
• 1. Head Segmentation and Evolution
• 2. Head of Primitive Insects
• 3. Generalized Pterygote Head
• 4. Head Appendages
• 5. Modified Mouthparts
 
• a. Orthopteroid
• b. Hemipteroid
• c. Neuropteroid

 
• Insect Thorax (3) 12%
 
• 1. Generalized Thoracic Structure
• 2. Appendages of the Thorax
• 3. Mechanisms of Flight

 
• Insect Abdomen and External Genitalia (3) 12%
 
• 1. Generalized abdominal structures
• 2. External Genitalia of the Female
• 2. External Genitalia of the Male

 
• Internal Reproductive Structures (1) 4%
• Eggs and Embryology (2) 8%
• Structures Involved in Respiration (1) 4%
• Circulatory Structures-Hearts and pulsatile organs (1) 4%
• Organs of Digestion (1) 4%
• Excretory Structures (1) 4%
• Nerve and Muscle (1) 4%
• Insect Eyes (1) 4%
• Sensory Structures (1) 4%
• Endocrine System (1) 4%

Topic (Number of Lab Periods)

 
• 1. Segmentation and Tagmosis (1) 7.5%
• 2. Structure of the Head and Mouthparts (3) 23%
• 3. Structure of the Thorax (2) 15%
• 4. Abdomen and External Genitalia (1) 7.5%
• 5. Internal Reproductive Systems (1) 7.5%
• 6. Trachea, Spiracles, and Gills (1) 7.5%
• 7. Heart (1) 7%
• 8. Digestive and Excretory Structures (1) 10%
• 9. Nervous System (2) 15%

Honor System Policies

The current Honor System policies of the University will be enforced.

Examinations

Examinations will be held in both the laboratory and lecture components of the course. Laboratory examinations will be by lab practical, and 2 will be held during the semester. Three lecture examinations will be by written essay. Both types of will be one hour in length.

Course Evaluation and Final Exam Procedures

Final grades will be an average of performance on the lecture and laboratory exams.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences evaluation form and procedures for its employment will be followed. The final examination will be administered as directed by University policies.

Office Hours

Feel free to stop by my office (Price Hall 205C) any time for short questions. Discussions longer than about 10 min should be done by appointment
 

Exam I Sep 23; Exam II Oct 23; Exam III  Dec 17 (3:25-5:25)
Lab Practical I Oct 7; Lab Practical II Dec 9 (lab period)
Nov 10-13 - ESA Meeting in Austin - no class
Nov. 23-Dec 1 - Thanksgiving Break - no class.