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

Life cycle and ecology

Postembryonic development, moult and metamorphosis. Apterygota, Exopterygota, Endopterygota

Feeding habits. Interactions between insects and plants / other animals / humans.

 

Morphology, anatomy and physiology

Head: mouthparts, eyes, ocelli, antennae
Thorax: prothorax, mesothorax, metathorax, legs, wings
Abdomen and its appendages

Integument. Respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive, endocrine, excretory and reproductive systems

Systematics

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.

Conservation

Main threats. Protection and management criteria. Examples of insect species of conservation interest.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides of the course.

Scientific papers suggested during the course.

Gullan P.J., Cranston P.S. (2005 or following editions) The Insects, an outline of entomology, Wiley-Blackwell.

Chinery M. (2012) Insects of Britain and Western Europe. A&C Black.

Teaching methods

Lectures, observations of live insects and preserved specimens, field excursions.

Participation at the excursions requires the completion of all students of Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode <https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio> and participation at Module 3 of specific training on safety and health in study locations. Information on dates and attendance methods for Module 3 can be found in the appropriate section of the course website.

Assessment methods

Oral test based on:

- the identification of insects (specimens and photos);

- questions related to the contents of the course.

Teaching tools

PC, slide projector, museal specimens

Office hours

See the website of Pietro Milanesi