Chapter 14: Agricultural Entomology

metamorphosis

(in an insect or amphibian) the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages. a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.

larval stage

A larva (plural: larvae /ˈlɑːrviː/) is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults. Animals with indirect development such as insects, amphibians, or cnidarians typically have a larval phase of their life cycle.

pupal stage

A pupa (Latin: pūpa, "doll"; plural: pūpae) is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation between immature and mature stages. The pupal stage is found only in holometabolous insects, those that undergo a complete metamorphosis, with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa and imago.

siphoning insects

Insects with siphoning-sucking mouthparts do not chew their food, but have a siphon-like structure that allows them to suck or siphon liquid into their body. This feeding is analogous to inserting a straw into a drink to withdraw liquid.

integrated pest management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment.

phytophagous insects

Phytophagous insects are generally considered to be those that feed on green plants. They include species that attack roots, JL. stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits, either as larvae or as adults or in both stages.

pheromones

a chemical substance produced and released into the environment by an animal, especially a mammal or an insect, affecting the behavior or physiology of others of its species.

exoskeleton

a rigid external covering for the body in some invertebrate animals, especially arthropods, providing both support and protection.

DDT

a synthetic organic compound used as an insecticide. Like other chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons, DDT tends to persist in the environment and become concentrated in animals at the head of the food chain. Its use is now banned in many countries.

entomology

the branch of zoology concerned with the study of insects.

parasitism

the practice of living as a parasite in or on another organism.