A Hotlist on Bugs

A Hotlist on Bugs
An Internet Hotlist on Bugs

created by Audrey Eichler
Marymount Highschool

Introduction | Image Websites | Genral Charecterisitcs | Classification Charts | All Around Information

Introduction

The Order Hemiptera is a very diverse and interesting group of insects, or 'True Bugs.' There are approxiamtely 67,500 varieties of Hemitpera. Although Hemitpera are very numerous, they all share a few common charecterisitcs. These 'True Bugs' are known for their sucking mouths. Their mouths allow them to extract subsurface fluids from plants and animals. They are also known for their two pairs of wings. The part of the wings at the base of the first pair is much tougher and thicker then the rest of the first, and second. These insects are similar structurally, but phenotypically, they rarely look like the same species. For more, in depth information about this fascinating group of insects, just look below.

The Internet Resources

Image Websites

Hemiptera (Bugs) - This website offers a clear picture and classification of various Hemiptera. It also offers the more commonly used name and the scientific name of each insect. This site is great for those that love visual aids.
True Bugs - Insect Order Hemiptera Photographs - This site offers clear, colorful photographs of various bugs in the Hemiptera Order. Some of the insects shown at this site are the Ambush Bug, the Stink Bug, and the Large Milkweed Bug. These photos are very close up, so be careful if you don't like bugs!
A Gallery of Florida Insects - This website is an image gallery full of photos of several Hemiptera found in Florida. The site presents the name of the insect, the scientific name, and the family of the insect. a specific bug displayed at the site is the Ceroplastes rubens (Homoptera: Coccidae).

Genral Charecterisitcs

Families of Hemiptera - This site focuses on the appearance of Hemiptera. It offers information about how one might identify a 'true bug,' (Hemiptera), and what physical similarities Hemiptera has with other closely related orders (such as Homoptera). Also, this site offers links to other sites which are based on the same topic. This site is best for those ineterested in a generalization of Hemiptera. Does the fact that Hemiptera's antenni have five or fewer segments itnerest you? If so, visit this site.
Tree of Life Web Project - Hemiptera - This site offers a general introduciton to what a basic Hemiptera would look like, derived, and other characterisitcs about common Hemiptera. It has three very colorful and vibrant pictures of some 'True Bugs.'This iste describes why many Hemiptera have thicker wings at the base and thinner at the end.
Hemiptera adn Homoptera - True Bugs - This is a unique website that distinguishes true bugs from common insects. It explains what characteristics the bug must have to be classified as Hemiptera. The website also explains what Homoptera are and why they are sometimes included in the Order of Hemiptera. The site offers interesting information about Hemiptera, such as Hemiptera means 'half wing' and refers to the fact that part of the first pair of wings is hard, while the rest of the first pair and the second pair are thinner and weaker.
True Bugs and Leaf Hoppers - This site provides pictures of Hemiptera and an explanation about the photo. It also describe common characteristics about Hemiptera, and gives a photo to support the fact. One example is that all true bugs have straw-like mouth parts.

Classification Charts

Hemiptera - This website explains the history of the order of Hemiptera, and presents some interesting information about the order, such as the fact that there are 67,500 known species of Hemiptera. That's a lot! Also, this site is mainly a classification chart which displays information on several specific species, such as the Lesser Water Boatman, and the Back Swimmer.

All Around Information

Bug Bios - This is an informative site devoted to insects and it focuses on a blatant appreciation of bugs. This site offers information about specific bugs, such as the Cicada, (a.k.a. Cicadidae) the Short Tailed Mealy Bug (a.k.a. Pseudococcus) and the Leaf Hopper (a.k.a. Cicadellidae). The site also gives a description of the specific charecteristics of each bug, and a colorful picture. This is a wonderful site for those that are interested in specific bugs!
Bugs, Aphids, and Cicadas - Order Hemiptera - This site offers general information about the Order Hemiptera. It explains the common characterisitcs of the order, and how one might identify them. The site also offers detailed information about various types of Hemiptera or, 'True Bugs.'This site explains why most members in this family suck juices from plants material, including seeds, pollen and fruits.
Hemiptera or True Bugs - This website explains how Hemiptera fit into the Class of Hemimetabolic insects. It also explain the four different suborders within the order of Hemiptera. They are Heteroptera, Coleorrhyncha, Auchenorryncha, and Sternorryncha. This site also offers a Taxonomy Chart on the Order of Hemiptera.
BUG INFO - This site offers much information about True Bugs. It defines the Order, the effects it has on mankind, and explains some interesting facts about Hemiptera such as: 'True bugs have hypodermic-needle-like mouthparts that allow them to extract subsurface fluids from plants and animals.'

Content by Audrey Eichler, beachbunnie216@aol.com
http://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/fil/pages/listbugsau.html
Last revised Thu Mar 11 20:21:07 US/Pacific 2004