Entomology for beginners

This is an extensive three-hour lecture that covers the basics of entomology. The lecture includes:

• Insect evolution

• The role of insects in science

• Overall insect anatomy and physiology

• The function of the exoskeleton and how / why they molt

• Different types of wings and how they fly

• Sensory systems - including mechanoreception, chemoreception, and photoreception

• Reproduction and development

• An overview of some of the orders we have in Virginia

• Ecosystem services provided by insects

• Current threats to insects and the major reductions we have seen in recent years

• What we need to do to help conserve insects

• What you can do at your home or in your community to help conserve insects