Entomology Flashcards
Define the term ‘maggot mass effect’
When a group of maggots live, feed and move all in the same area the temperature can soar by many degrees
Eg. Temp in centre of maggot mass could be 37 degrees but ambient temp is in the -1 degree range
Why is there a limit when using insect age to calculate PMI?
Estimated age of immature insects can provide a PMI at a minimum HOWEVER doesn’t provide a maximum limit as the amount of time between death and egg deposition is unknown
What are the 4 types of insects located on or around a body?
NECROPHAGUS - feed in the cadaver = flesh eating
PREDATORY/PARASITIC - prey on other insects which inhabit the cadaver
OMNIVOROUS - eat material from the body, other insects or food sources present
INCIDENTAL - uses cadaver as an extension of their normal habitat
Describe the ‘Ametabolous’, ‘Paurametabolous’ and ‘Holometabolous’ change phases
AMETABOLOUS - “without change” = immature forms of the adult (develop in size and sexually matures but no structural change)
PAURAMETABOLOUS - “gradual” = hatchlings become nymphs (wingless forms of the adult and shed by moulting in instead phases and thus looks more like insect)
HOLOMETABOLOUS - “complete” = adult lays ovipositors or lavaposits (hatch and eat immediately increasing via instars and differ completely from adult)
What are the 3 stages of the insect life cycle?
- Ametabolous metamorphosis
- Paurometabolous metamorphosis
- Holometabolous metamorphosis
What components make up the biology of an insect?
EXOSKELETON - external skeleton made of chitin and protein
3 segments joined by flexible joints
1. Head - eyes, sense organs, mouth and antennae 2. Thorax - prothorax, mesothorax and metathorax (contain wing attachment) 3. Abdomen - segmented and carries organs (segments have spiracles which are breathing holes)
Define the term ‘Necrophagous’
Insects that invade a corpse and eat the dead flesh
