02621 - Entomology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the morphology, biology and ecology of the different orders of exapoda. They will be able to identify the main families, the most representative species and those that are most important from the conservation and sanitary points of view. They will also be able to suggest criteria and actions for the conservation of insect biodiversity.

Course contents

General information on hexapods and insects.

Morphology, anatomy and physiology. Head: mouthparts, eyes, ocelli, antennae. Thorax: prothorax, mesothorax, metathorax, legs, wings. Abdomen and its appendages. Integumental, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive, secretory, excretory, reproductive systems.

Reproductive biology, development and biological cycles.
Postembryonic development, moulting and metamorphosis. Apterygotes, exopterygotes, endopterygotes.

Ethology and ecology. Interaction with other organisms.

Phylogeny and evolution of hexapods.

Systematics of hexapods. Entognatha: Protura, Diplura, Collembola. Insecta: Archaeognatha, Zygentoma, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Phasmatodea, Embioptera, Plecoptera, Dermaptera, Mantodea, Blattodea, Isoptera, Psocoptera, Phthiraptera, Thysanoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Neuroptera, Trichoptera, Lepidoptera, Mecoptera & Siphonaptera, Diptera.

Readings/Bibliography

It is suggested the following textbook:

Sistematica ed Evoluzione degli Esapodi. A cura di A. Minelli & M.A. Bologna. Liguori editore (eBook)

Moreover, lessons' slides will be available for the students.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons with videopresentation of slides.

Observation in classroom of specimens from entomological collections and living indivudals.

Assessment methods

Oral discussion, with identification of specimens from entomological collections

Teaching tools

PC, slide projector, specimens from entomological collections

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Luchetti