Close-up on insects
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Close-up on insects |
 Index 1-To be or not to be ... an insect 2-Insects and popular wisdom 3-Close-up on insects
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Looking at insects Colours, patterns, the shape of wings, legs and antennae... Although some insects may look quite similar, each species actually has its own distinguishing features. To identify them, you have to rely on their appearance as adults, however, since some insects have a few tricks up their exoskeletons—their appearance changes drastically as they get older. Just think of caterpillars and butterflies! So you have to pay close attention. Where and when you see an insect are also valuable clues. |
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How can you tell the different species of lady beetles apart? One good trick is to count the number of spots on their elytra (hardened wings).
Bumble bees are generally yellow and black. You can tell them apart by examining the arrangement and patterns of the two colours.
It’s easy to tell damselflies apart from dragonflies. The four wings of damselflies are identical, while the second pair of wings on dragonflies is broader at the base. Another clue is that damselflies usually rest with their wings held together above their bodies, while dragonflies hold them outstretched.
Butterflies come in an incredible variety of shapes and colours, which serve as identifying characteristics and give each species its own special beauty.
It can be difficult to tell insects apart. The differences between species are sometimes so subtle that you almost need a magnifying glass to be sure. The head of the ground beetle, for instance, is as wide as its thorax, while the tiger beetle’s head is usually narrower.
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Wanted |
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FROM LARVA TO ADULT |
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In the From Larva to Adult game, some stages in the insect life cycle are missing. Ask the participants to make a drawing showing the stages described on the posters and then place them in order. |
From
Larva to Adult
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Solutions |
| Wanted! A) Two-spotted lady beetle B) Twelve-spotted lady beetle C) Seven-spotted lady beetle D) European wood ground beetle E) European black ground beetle F) Six-spotted tiger beetle G) Terricolous bumble bee H) Frisky bumble bee
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I) Fervid bumble bee J) Apically spotted damselfly K) Ebony jewelwing L) Fourspot skimmer M) Red admiral N) Mourningcloak butterfly O) White admiral |
From larvae to adult A-2 B-4 C-3 D-1 E-5 |
Concept: Insectarium de Montréal French
text: Marie Dufour Translations: Terry Knowles and Pamela Ireland
Illustrations: Bruno Laporte Graphics:
Studio multimédia, Ville de Montréal
This project has received financial support from the Action
Environnement et Faune program
Our thanks to everyone who helped in producing this educational
material
Web site by: Stéphan
Giroux
