Insect Identification



A nine-part course focusing primarily on family-level identification of common insects. The main goal of this course is to provide a sound practical understanding of insect diversity that will assist you in classifying organisms.

Lectures

Prerequisites

Syllabus

Topics covered in the course will include, but are not limited to:

Week 1: Entognathous hexapods and minor insect orders

Week 2: Ephemeroptera and Odonata (Mayflies and Dragonflies/Damselflies)

Week 3: Orthopteroids (Grasshoppers and related groups)

Week 4: Neuropteroids (Lacewings, Dobsonflies, etc.)

Week 5: Hemiptera (Bed bugs, planthoppers)

Week 6: Coleoptera (Beetles)

Week 7: Medical/Veterinary significant insects (Flies, Lice, Fleas)

Week 8: Lepidoptera (Moths and Butterflies)

Week 9: Hymenoptera (Sawflies, bees, wasps, and ants)

Handouts for each presentation will be distributed at the beginning of each lesson.

Lectures will be done live, twice a week, using Ventrilo (Hostname: ureddit.com, Port #: 3784). Presentations will be interactive and students will be allowed to voice questions at any point.

Class will begin February 29th at 9:30 PM EST. An additional lesson will be done March 1st at the same time for anyone who could not make it to the first lesson. Future lessons will take place every Wednesday at the specified time.