Your Host:  Don Wales

Topic:  Trichoptera (caddisflies), Neuroptera (nerve-winged insects), Coleoptera (beetles)

Trichoptera: (caddisflies) the adult winged insects, with two pairs of wings with long, silky hairs and long antennae, are nocturnal and provide food for night-flying birds, bats, small mammals, amphibians and arthropods. The larval stage lasts much longer, often for one or more years, and has a bigger impact on the environment. Most larvae live in fresh water, some build ornamented case. They form an important part of the diet of fish.

Neuroptera: (nerve winged insects) any of a group of insects commonly called lacewings because of the complex vein patterns in the wings, giving them a lacy appearance. Four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Chewing mouth-parts. Long antennae.

Coleoptera: (beetles) their front pair of wings is hardened into wing-cases, elytra, distinguishing them from most other insects, mid wings are thin, folded. Size from small to large. Chewing mouth-parts. Antennae usually short. All have four life stages. Some aquatic. Many of their larvae are commonly called grubs. Some grubs live in the soil and feed on plant roots. Others bore into plant stems. The larvae of click beetles are called wireworms which feed on the roots, bulbs and crowns of plants and are especially destructive to germinating seeds. Bark beetles, which bore through the bark of trees, are considered the most destructive insect pests of forests.