Thread started: Jun 19 2010, 2:42 AM EDT
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Hemiptera is a group of insects known as the true bugs, comprising around 80,000 species of cicada, aphids, planthoppers, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and others. They belong to the infraclass Neoptera. Neoptera is a classification group that includes almost all the winged insects, specifically those that can flex their wings over their abdomens. They range in size from 1mm to around 15cm. All of them are terrestrial, that is live on the ground, and none is carnivorous.
STRUCTURE OF HEMIPTERA
Hemiptera share a common arrangement of mouthparts adapted for piercing and sucking the fluids from plants of animals. They have front wings that are thickened at the base and membranous at the tip. Their hind wings are membranous and shorter than the front wings. They have antennae with 5 or fewer segments and a mouth with a 3-segmented or 4-segmented beak arising from the front of the head.
HABITAT OF HEMIPTERA
Hemiptera are generally found in lentic habitats (lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs etc.) or in backwater or pool areas of streams to which they may have flown to overwinter. Hemiptera are found in three general habitats.
1. Six families are fully aquatic. They are Belostomatidae, Corixidae, Naucoridae, Nepidae, Notonectidae, and Pleidae. These families are classified as swimmers, clingers, or climbers. Notonectidae and Pleidae swim upside down and have been given the common name, backswimmers.
2. Four families are surface dwellers or skaters. They are Gerridae, Hydrometridae, Mesoveliidae, and Veliidae. Thus, they are semiaquatic.
3. Four families are shore bugs and live along the edges of ponds or streams. Gelastocoridae, Hebridae, Ochteridae, and Saldidae contain species classified as skaters, climbers, clingers, burrowers, or sprawlers.
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