Page 41 - Adventures through the World of Entomology

A JOURNEY THROUGH THE WORLD OF ENTOMOLOGY A JOURNEY THROUGH THE WORLD OF ENTOMOLOGY
WITH NORM EHMANN BS, MPH, BCE, RS WITH NORM EHMANN BS, MPH, BCE, RS

ADVENTURE FOUR ADVENTURE FOUR

“A RETURN TO THE HEAD” “A RETURN TO THE HEAD”
A mouthful of information A mouthful of information

In our last adventure we took a look at the head of an insect and zeroed in on two important structures In our last adventure we took a look at the head of an insect and zeroed in on two important structures
— the ANTENNAE and the EYES. In Adventure Four we are returning to the head of an insect to take — the ANTENNAE and the EYES. In Adventure Four we are returning to the head of an insect to take
a close look at the various types of MOUTHPARTS in the insect world and their functions, and in some a close look at the various types of MOUTHPARTS in the insect world and their functions, and in some
instance their relationship to public health. The mouthparts of insects are important to know about and instance their relationship to public health. The mouthparts of insects are important to know about and
understand because it is the mouthparts that are, most of the time, the causes of destruction and disease. understand because it is the mouthparts that are, most of the time, the causes of destruction and disease.

First of all, it is important to recognize that not all species of insects have the same type of mouthparts. First of all, it is important to recognize that not all species of insects have the same type of mouthparts.
Second, the immature form of an insect may have one type of mouthpart and the adult of that same Second, the immature form of an insect may have one type of mouthpart and the adult of that same
insect may have a completely different type of mouthpart. insect may have a completely different type of mouthpart.

CARPENTER ANT MANDIBLES CARPENTER ANT MANDIBLES

Notice how different Notice how different
the mouth of the adult the mouth of the adult
is from the larvae. is from the larvae.

Photo by Stennett Heaton Photo by Stennett Heaton
Photo Courtesy of UNVAR Courtesy Of UNVAR Photo Courtesy of UNVAR Courtesy Of UNVAR
As far as we are concerned, as pest control technicians, the insects that we deal with have three different As far as we are concerned, as pest control technicians, the insects that we deal with have three different
types of mouthparts. (1) biting-chewing (2) piercing-sucking and (3) lapping-sponging. types of mouthparts. (1) biting-chewing (2) piercing-sucking and (3) lapping-sponging.

There are all sorts of modifications of these three basic types, for instance, the large scissor-like There are all sorts of modifications of these three basic types, for instance, the large scissor-like
mandibles of the termite soldiers. But if we can hold these three types in mind we can be assured that mandibles of the termite soldiers. But if we can hold these three types in mind we can be assured that
they will cover almost all of the insects that we deal with on a daily basis. So, let’s take a close up look they will cover almost all of the insects that we deal with on a daily basis. So, let’s take a close up look
at their structure and function. at their structure and function.

HOuSE CRICKET ADuLT HOuSE FLY HOuSE CRICKET ADuLT HOuSE FLY
FEEDING ON WOOL BLANKET FEEDING ON WOOL BLANKET

Photo Courtesy Of UNVAR Photo Courtesy Of UNVAR Photo Courtesy Of UNVAR Photo Courtesy Of UNVAR Photo Courtesy Of UNVAR Photo Courtesy Of UNVAR
Biting-chewing Piercing-sucking Lapping-sponging Biting-chewing Piercing-sucking Lapping-sponging

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