Ectoparasites intro Flashcards
What are features of arthropods?
6 or 8 limbs
Chitinous cuticle (waterproof exoskeleton)
Segmented body (2 or 3)
Body cavity containing lymph
What are the 2 classes of arthropods? How many legs and body regions do they have?
Insects - 6 legs, 3 distinct body regions (head, thorax, abdomen)
Arachnids - 8 legs, 2 body regions (cephalothorax and abdomen)
How many legs do arachnids have?
8 in adult
6 in larvae
What do arachnids lack that insects have?
Wings (not all insects)
Antennae
What are in the insect class?
Flies
Lice
Fleas
What are in the arachnid class?
Mites
Ticks
Why do flies pester cattle and mosquitoes/ticks suck blood?
Obtain protein to mature eggs
How do ectoparasites grow?
Ecdysis (moulting)
Under influence of juvenile hormones
What is the body cavity of insects containing the circulatory fluid?
Haemocoele
Contains circulatory fluid
What is the name of the sperm packet used for reproduction in mites and ticks (arachnids)
Spermatophore
How do insects respire? What are they called?
Openings in protective cuticle
Insects - spiracles
Arachnids - stigmata
The insect GI system has Malpighian tubules. What are these?
Tubules that filter waste from haemolymph into the gut
Describe the nervous system in insects
Ganglia (brain)
Sensory organs
What are the specialised teeth found in ticks?
Hypsotome
What are the 2 types of ectoparasite life cycle?
Holometabolous - complete metamorphis
Hemimetabolous - incomplete metamorphis, larvae/nymph similar to adults
