Hymenoptera: Difference between revisions
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The anatomy of hymenopterans are very similar to other insects. The ones who fly, usually have two pairs of wings. Their mouths can have two forms, just mandibles used for chewing, or with the addition of the proboscis used for drinking liquids, such as nectar. They have two larger compound eyes, used to differentiate brightness and color, and also three smaller eyes called "ocelli" that are much simpler. Flying insects have their hind wings with hooked bristles called "hamuli" that holds both the fore wings and hind wings together. The number of hamuli vary between species and their sizes, with wasps having more than the usual two to three hamuli present in smaller species. Like most insects, their bodies are divided into three sections, head, thorax and abdomen. | The anatomy of hymenopterans are very similar to other insects. The ones who fly, usually have two pairs of wings. Their mouths can have two forms, just mandibles used for chewing, or with the addition of the proboscis used for drinking liquids, such as nectar. They have two larger compound eyes, used to differentiate brightness and color, and also three smaller eyes called "ocelli" that are much simpler. Flying insects have their hind wings with hooked bristles called "hamuli" that holds both the fore wings and hind wings together. The number of hamuli vary between species and their sizes, with wasps having more than the usual two to three hamuli present in smaller species. Like most insects, their bodies are divided into three sections, head, thorax and abdomen. | ||
The hymenoptera have an ovipositor, that in older species evolved into a blade-like structure used for slicing plant tissues. However, many today use them for piercing. In some species, we see today an ovipositor that evolved into a stinger in which the tip is used to inject venom and their eggs are laid from the base of the structure. | The hymenoptera have an ovipositor, that in older species evolved into a blade-like structure used for slicing plant tissues. However, many today use them for piercing. In some species, we see today an ovipositor that evolved into a stinger in which the tip is used to inject venom and their eggs are laid from the base of the structure. The sting is usually used to immobilize prey, that could be used to insert their eggs inside, but we see many bees and wasps using for self defense. | ||
The larvae of the hymenoptera have a head region, three thoracic segments, and nine or ten abdominal segments. | |||
Revision as of 17:31, 23 April 2021
Definition
The Hymenoptera is a large order of organisms within the phylum Arthropoda, which contains insects like, bees, wasps, sawflies, and ants. The name is derived from the greek words "Hymen" or "membrane" and "Ptera" or "wings", which is perfectly describing the fact that their wings are connected into one point called the "Hamuli", and the membraneous tissue it is formed. Like most insects, these appeared at an early stage of earth's history, which according to a study done by D.A. Grimaldi, M.S. Engel et al, have been around since 281 million years ago (Triassic Period). The Hymenopteran who have evolved into a societal way of living(Cretaceous Period), similar to pre-historical humans, created a very well adapted form of resilience for the succession of its offspring. However, many different species still live solitarily, requiring others only for mating. The organisms, who have a social life, live in a nest (ants) or a hive (bees, wasps), which are all descendants of one queen. When the hive or nest is established by a queen in early spring, it begins producing its offspring that will work in their pre-assigned roles, depending on their gender.
Anatomy
The anatomy of hymenopterans are very similar to other insects. The ones who fly, usually have two pairs of wings. Their mouths can have two forms, just mandibles used for chewing, or with the addition of the proboscis used for drinking liquids, such as nectar. They have two larger compound eyes, used to differentiate brightness and color, and also three smaller eyes called "ocelli" that are much simpler. Flying insects have their hind wings with hooked bristles called "hamuli" that holds both the fore wings and hind wings together. The number of hamuli vary between species and their sizes, with wasps having more than the usual two to three hamuli present in smaller species. Like most insects, their bodies are divided into three sections, head, thorax and abdomen.
The hymenoptera have an ovipositor, that in older species evolved into a blade-like structure used for slicing plant tissues. However, many today use them for piercing. In some species, we see today an ovipositor that evolved into a stinger in which the tip is used to inject venom and their eggs are laid from the base of the structure. The sting is usually used to immobilize prey, that could be used to insert their eggs inside, but we see many bees and wasps using for self defense.
The larvae of the hymenoptera have a head region, three thoracic segments, and nine or ten abdominal segments.