INSECTS
Insects are everywhere - they represent half of the organisms alive today.
Not only are they impressive in numbers, they occupy almost all global
habitats. From water to land and desert to tundra, the resilience of insects
is astounding. Generally, insects are characterized by three pairs of legs,
compound eyes, a pair of antennae, a three-part body, and an exoskeleton.
While all insects share certain characteristics, individual species often have
unique and quirky behaviours. For example, crickets have ears on their legs
and common houseflies are able to “taste” with their feet to find sugar
Not only are they impressive in numbers, they occupy almost all global
habitats. From water to land and desert to tundra, the resilience of insects
is astounding. Generally, insects are characterized by three pairs of legs,
compound eyes, a pair of antennae, a three-part body, and an exoskeleton.
While all insects share certain characteristics, individual species often have
unique and quirky behaviours. For example, crickets have ears on their legs
and common houseflies are able to “taste” with their feet to find sugar
BEETLES
While diversity among insects is generally amazing, beetles alone represent
the most biodiverse group of organisms known to man, with over 380,000
species identified to date. Beetles have a front pair of wings that act as solid
wingcases, also known as elytra. The shapes, markings, and texture of the elytra
are a key tool in beetle identication. Their markings serve a functional
purpose in mating and avoiding predation. They are found in all
habitats, excluding the depths of the ocean. Beetles play important roles
in the breakdown of fungi, plants, carcasses, and debris. Some species can
be predatory, parasitic, or act as agricultural pests. Beetles even play a
role in human economy and trade, being used for food and dyes.
the most biodiverse group of organisms known to man, with over 380,000
species identified to date. Beetles have a front pair of wings that act as solid
wingcases, also known as elytra. The shapes, markings, and texture of the elytra
are a key tool in beetle identication. Their markings serve a functional
purpose in mating and avoiding predation. They are found in all
habitats, excluding the depths of the ocean. Beetles play important roles
in the breakdown of fungi, plants, carcasses, and debris. Some species can
be predatory, parasitic, or act as agricultural pests. Beetles even play a
role in human economy and trade, being used for food and dyes.
NICROPHORUS
Nicrophorus beetles are often referred to as burying or carrion beetles, due
to their feeding habits. While the majority of burying beetles feed on small
vertebrate carcasses, some species will also to feed on snake eggs, rotting
fruit, and faeces. Even within the Nicrophorus genus, there is a notable
diversity in habitat ranging from wetlands to the forest canopy. Nicrophorus
posses chemoreceptors on their club-like antennae that act like a nose to
help identify carcass location. They express competition over carcasses
between and within species and will bury it to hide it from predators.
to their feeding habits. While the majority of burying beetles feed on small
vertebrate carcasses, some species will also to feed on snake eggs, rotting
fruit, and faeces. Even within the Nicrophorus genus, there is a notable
diversity in habitat ranging from wetlands to the forest canopy. Nicrophorus
posses chemoreceptors on their club-like antennae that act like a nose to
help identify carcass location. They express competition over carcasses
between and within species and will bury it to hide it from predators.