Hobbies And Interests
Basic Classification
Insects are an animal, so they fall in the animal kingdom. Furthermore, insects are classified in a phylum of invertebrate animals, which are known as Arthropoda. Next comes the class Insecta, which includes over 20 orders, or different groupings of insects. Some of the most noted insect orders include the beetles (Coleoptera), true flies (Diptera), butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) and the dragonflies (Odonata). The true bugs, or Hemiptera, are distinguished by sucking mouthparts, two pairs of wings, although some of the wings may be undeveloped and a life cycle, where the newly hatched offspring resemble their parents.
Cicadas
Cicadas are veracious feeders that are often mistakenly referred to as locusts. Virginia has two types of cicadas, one that follows a 13-year cycle and one that takes 17 years to mature. The adult cicadas of Virginia are about 1 1/2 inch long and are dark-colored with orange-red eyes and legs. The cicada nymph spends most of its life cycle underground, feeding off the juices of tree roots. During one summer of their long life cycle, the adult insect emerges in mass above ground. During this time the males make a lot of noise and mate with the females, who several weeks later deposits the eggs underground.
Stinkbugs
Unlike the Cicadas, the stinkbugs produce two generations in one year. In Virginia, as in most places, stinkbugs feed on green leafy plant parts and can do a lot of damage to agricultural plants such as tomato, pepper, bean and okra. They can also damage pecan and fruit trees. In Virginia, there are two species that are quite common, the brown stink bug, Euschistus servus, and the green stink bug, Acrosternum hilare. In general, stink bugs are less than an inch long and a have a five-sided shield shape. Their colors may vary and they release a pungent smell when crushed.
Giant Water Bug
Virginia is home to many other members of the order Hemiptera including aphids, leafhoppers, bedbugs and the lace bug. However one bug that garnishes much attention is the giant water bug, also nicknamed the toe biter, because of its ability to deliver a painful, but non-harmful bite to humans. The giant water bug can grow large, over 1 inch in most cases, and lives in and next to aquatic environments. It feeds on small fish, amphibians, tadpoles and many small invertebrates. During warm summer months these large bugs may be attracted to night lights, located far from their aquatic homes.