ENTOM 3330

Maggots, Grubs, and Cutworms: Larval Insect Biology

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2015-2016.

Holometabolous insects comprise over 90% of insect diversity. Evolutionary history of the Holometabola has been greatly informed by attributes of their larvae. This course introduces students to the biology, anatomy, and natural history of holometabolous insect larvae, and how larval information supports phylogenetic classification of the Holometabola. Exploration of these topics is supported by reading primary scientific literature and in-class discussion. The laboratory exercises are based on identification of a broad array of reference specimens, coupled with personal identification of a set of unknowns.

When Offered Spring.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: ENTOM 2120 or permission of instructor.

• 1.1 You will understand what and how characters support hypotheses of evolutionary relationship. 1.2 You will be able to comparatively assess how characters support competing hypotheses of relationship.
• 2.1 You will learn how to integrate various data into a holistic hypothesis using simultaneous analysis.
• 3.1 You will examine and identify unknown insect specimens that represent phylogenetic diversity across Holometabola. 3.2 You will differentiate a personal set of unknowns, some of which are unique to you, others which are the same as your classmates. 3.3 You will employ different types of identification aids, both printed and electronic. 3.4 You will sketch important characters to reinforce your understanding of them.
• 4.1 You will learn and employ the basic principles of forensic entomology for the purpose of estimating time after death. 4.2 You will be introduced to and categorize the world insect larval biota-such as is known currently-that serves as the basis for forensic entomology.

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