#neoptera

[jupiterswasphouse]

[PHOTOS TAKEN: SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2023 | Image IDs: Two photos of a black, brown, and red earwig protecting its white eggs on top of a reddish brown leaf /End IDs.]

[wackywatchdotcom]

to me kingers like oh i think butterflies are nice :) i know a few of them... lepidopteras the butterflies and moths right? i like beetles and ants theyre nice... and then queenies whipping out entomologist language. starts talking to kinger and is like oh the bmsbs and leps and acronyms n shortenings n other stuff that i dont know abt and kingers nodding but so confused

what intrigues me is how kinger and queenie are written by people who clearly dont know a lot about entomology

[bug-befriender]

Dragonflies rule (also taxonomy is confusing)

This was the week of dragonflies appearently, couldn't ID all of them, but who cares, they were all absolutely beautiful. So have yet another photo dump!

All photos taken by me in saxony, germany

I don't think I've covered this yet, but dragonflies are, like, a whole seperate order of flying insects compared to neoptera which covers a majority of insects. To get to that, we might wanna take a deepdive into the taxodermy of insects. So if you were here just for the dragonfly pics, there won't be more. This will now be a biology rant.

There are three big subclasses of insects: first, we have Archaeognatha (or jumping bristletails), very primitive and adorable. Also they can't smell anything appearently, since they lack the receptor (Orco) for it. They mostly love moisture, but have adapted to other habitats.

Then there are the better known Zygentoma, with species such as silverfish or firebrats. Very fun little critters, and they just love humidity. Some species live as nest associates like Atelura formicaria, others are synanthropes and inhabit cellars, or even ovens like the firebrat.

Both of these subclasses are wingless, so obviously the last subclass of insects are the flying insects (Pterygota). They make up 99.9% of all knows species of insects.

And this is where this all gets kinda messy, I'll try my best to somehow explain this.

So there are three big terms we gotta keep in mind; Mayflies (Ephemeroptera), Dragonflies/Damselflies (Odonata [I will refer to them as only dragonflies to make this more readable]) and Neoptera. Here in germany we took the easy path and just said "oh yeah, these are just three seperate superorders, simple", but oh no, it's not as easy as that.

It's pretty simple to differenciate mayflies from neoptera as they both lack the possibility to flex their wings over their abdomen and also resemble the other subclasses in their cerci, the tail-like appendages at the end of their abdomen.

But then dragonflies ruin everything. They too can't flex their wings over their abdomen, so one could say "hey, why not make mayflies and dragonflies one category and neoptera the other?". And you would be a fool to think that isn't the case already.

Palaeoptera is a devision of winged insects, containing dragonflies and mayflies. This is where this rant should be over, but no, there just had to be one more thing!

Metapterygota is a clade of winged insects, containing dragonflies and neoptera. This so called taxonomal branch is referring to winged insects that lack the subimago state after their larvae state. The subimago state is, of course, found in mayflies.

So in conclusion, dragonflies do not resemble neoptera in that they cannot flex their wings over their abdomen, and they do also do not resemble mayflies in that they lack the subimago state before maturing.

This conclusion is way less convoluded than the journey it took to get there, but that's just how biology is sometimes. The most tedious research makes it possible to differenciate even the most overlooked creatures from one another using very simple metrics. And I gotta say, thank god I could just read my way through a bunch of studies and articles already containing the knowledge some dedicated entomologists already got by doing research for decades. Thank you, y'all are really cool people.

[istherewifiinhell]

METAZOOA HARD MODE

no drop down menu. WELCOME TO BUG WORLD

[ID: metazooa, the cladistics puzzle tree, guessed in 9. The tree splits at bilateria, two guesses under gnathostomata: horse and tiger shark. And the rest under neoptera: locust. Two under endopterygota, ladybug and mosquito. Two under aculeata: honey bee, fire ant. And two under vespinae: wasp, and finally the answer, hornet. END ID]

this too is a kind of creature to me

[bidinosaurus]

neoptera, huru hara 2022, gbat 2023.

[bacony-cakes]

don't fucking challenge me i know every beast

NON-BEASTLY BEASTS:

Non-ParaHoxozoa:

Calcarea (Calcareous Sponges)

Hexacinellida (Glass Sponges)

Demospongiae (Demosponges)

Tentaculata (Tentacled Ctenophores)

Beroida (Non-Tentacled Ctenophores)

ParaHoxozoa, Non-Nephrozoa:

Placozoa

Anthozoa (Corals, Sea Pens, and Tube-Dwelling Anenomes)

Medusozoa (Jellyfish and Hydrozoans)

Myxozoa

Xenacoelomorpha

MINIBEASTS:

Spiralia, Non-Lophotrochozoa:

Gnathifera (Rotifers and Jaw Worms)

Mesozoa

Rouphozoa (Flatworms and Gastrotrichs)

Lophotrochozoa, Non-Mollusca:

Cycliophora

Annelida (Segmented Worms)

Nemertea (Ribbon Worms)

Bryozoa

Entoprocta

Phorodina (Horseshoe Worms)

Brachiopoda

Mollusca:

Solenogastres

Caudofoveata

Polyplacophora (Chitons)

Bivalvia (Clams, Scallops, Mussels, Oysters, Cockles, and others)

Monoplacophora

Scaphopoda (Tusk Shells)

Gastropoda (Snails, Slugs, Sea Snails, Sea Slugs, and others)

Cephalopoda (Nautiloids, Cuttlefish, Squid, and Octopi)

Ecdysozoa, Non-Arthropoda:

Loricifera

Priapulida (Penis Worms [sic])

Kinorhyncha (Mud Dragons)

Nematoda (Roundworms)

Nematomorpha (Horsehair Worms)

Tardigrada (Tardigrades)

Onchyophora (Velvet Worms)

Arthropoda, Non-Mandibulata:

Pycnogonida (Sea Spiders)

Xiphosura (Horseshoe Crabs)

Acariformes (Cheese Mites, Scabies Mites, Eyelash Mites, House Mites, and others)

Opiliones (Harvestmen)

Ricinulei (Hooded Tickspiders)

Solifugae (Camel Spiders)

Parisitiformes (Ticks, Varroa Mites, and others)

Pseudoscorpiones (Pseudoscorpions)

Scorpiones (Scorpions)

Araneae (Spiders)

Amblypigi (Whip Spiders)

Urgopygi (Whip Scorpions)

Mandibulata, Non-Insecta:

Chilopoda (Centipedes)

Symphyla (Pseudocentipedes)

Pauropoda

Diplopoda (Millipedes)

Ostracoda (Seed Shrimp)

Mystacocarida

Branchiura (Fish Lice)

Pentastomida (Tongue Worms)

Copepoda (Copepods)

Tantulocarida

Thecostraca (Barnacles and others)

Malacostraca (Crabs, Lobsters, Shrimp, Isopods, Amphipods, and others)

Cephalocarida (Horseshoe Shrimp)

Branchiopoda (Fairy Shrimp, Tadpole Shrimp, Water Fleas, and others)

Remipedia

Collembola (Springtails)

Protura

Diplura (Two-Pronged Bristletails)

Insecta, Non-Neoptera:

Archaeognatha (Jumping Bristletails)

Zygentoma (Silverfish, Firebrats, and others)

Odonatoptera (Dragonflies and Damselflies)

Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)

Neoptera, Non-Holometabola:

Zoraptera (Angel Insects)

Dermaptera (Earwigs)

Plecoptera (Stoneflies)

Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, and others)

Mantodea (Mantises)

Blattodea (Cockroaches and Termites)

Notoptera (Ice Crawlers and Rock Crawlers)

Phasmatodea (Stick Insects and Leaf Insects)

Embioptera (Webspinners)

Psocodea (Lice)

Hemiptera (Shield Bugs, Aphids, Scale Insects, Cicadas, Planthoppers, Assassin Bugs, Water Boatmen, Pond Skaters, and others)

Thysanoptera (Thrips)

Holometabola

Hymenoptera (Sawflies, Bees, Wasps, and Ants)

Strepsiptera

Coleoptera (Beetles)

Raphidioptera (Snakeflies)

Neuroptera (Lacewings, Antlions, and others)

Megaloptera (Dobsonflies and others)

Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)

Trichoptera (Caddisflies)

Diptera (Flies, Mosquitoes, Gnats, Midges, Hoverflies, and others)

Mecopteroidea (Scorpionflies, Hangingflies, and Fleas)

SLIGHTLY MORE BEASTLY BEASTS:

Ambulacraria:

Echinodermata (Starfish, Sea Urchins, Brittle Stars, Feather Stars, and others)

Hemichordata (Acorn Worms and others)

Chordata (Non-Vertebrata):

Leptocardii (Lancelets)

Tunicata (Sea Squirts, Salps, Pyrosomes, and others)

Vertebrata (Non-Eutelostomi):

Myxini (Hagfish)

Hyperoartia (Lampreys)

Elasmobranchii (Sharks, Rays, and Skates)

Holocephali (Chimaeras)

Actinopterygii (Non-Acanthomorpha):

Cladistia (Bichirs and Reedfish)

Acnipenseriformes (Paddlefish and Sturgeons)

Halecomorphi (Bowfins)

Ginglymodi (Gars)

Elopocephalai (Eels, Ladyfish, Halosaurs, and others)

Osteoglossocephala (Arapaima, Goldeye, and others)

Clupei (Herrings and Anchovies)

Apelocephali (Slickheads and others)

Anotophysa (Milkfish, Beaked Salmon, and others)

Cypriniformes (Carp, Goldfish, Loaches, Minnows, and others)

Characiformes (Characins, Pacu, Pirahnas, Tetras, and others)

Gymnotiformes (Knifefish and Electric Eels)

Siluriformes (Catfish)

Lepidogalaxii (Salamanderfish)

Protacanthopterygii (Salmon, Pike, Trout, Barreleye, and others)

Stomiati (Smelts, Marine Hatchetfish, and others)

Ateleopodia (Jellynose Fish)

Aulopa (Bombay Duck and Lancetfish)

Myctophata (Lanternfish)

Acanthomorpha:

Lampridacea (Oarfish, Opah and others)

Paracanthomorphacea (Cods, Dories, Cavefish, and others)

Polymixiacea (Beardfish)

Berycimorphaceae (Fangtooths, Pineconefishes, and others)

Holocentrimorphaceae (Soldierfish)

Ophidiiformes (Pearlfish)

Batrachoidimophara (Toadfish)

Gobiomorpharia (Seahorses, Pipefish, Tunas, Flying Gurnards, and others)

Anabantaria (Gouramis, Swamp Eels, and others)

Carangaria (Swordfish, Flatfish, Remoras, and others)

Ovalentaria (Blennies, Cichlids, Flying Fish, Mullets, and others)

Eupercaria (Anglerfish, Pufferfish, Wrasses, Sunfish, Sticklebacks, Lumpsuckers, Lionfish, Angelfish, Perches, Archerfish, Triggerfish, Bass, and others)

Sarcopterygii:

Actinistia (Coelocanths)

Dipnoi (Lungfish)

BEASTS PROPER:

Lissamphibia

Salientia (Frogs and Toads)

Caudata (Salamanders and Newts)

Gymnophiona (Caecilians)

Reptilia (Non-Aves)

Rhynchocephalia (Tuatara)

Dibamidae (Blind Skinks)

Gekkota (Geckos and Flap-Footed Lizards)

Scinciformata (Skinks and others)

Laterata (Tegus and Worm Lizards)

Anguimorpha (Slow Worms, Monitors, Gila Monster, and others)

Iguania (Anoles, Iguanas, Chameleons, and others)

Serpentes (Snakes)

Testudines (Turtles and Tortoises)

Crocodilia (Crocodiles, Gharials, Alligators, and Caiman)

Aves (Non-Passeriformes):

Palaeognathae (Ostriches, Kiwis, and others)

Galloanserae (Chickens, Ducks, and others)

Mirandornithes (Flamingos and Grebes)

Columbimorphae (Doves and others)

Otidimorphae (Cuckoos, Turacos, and Bustards)

Gruimorphae (Gulls, Cranes, Auks, and others)

Ophistocomidae (Hoatzins)

Strisores (Hummingbirds, Nightjars, Potoos, and others)

Phaethoquornithes (Boobies, Loons, Ibises, Penguins, Albatrosses, Tropicbirds, and others)

Acciptirimorphae (Vultures, Hawks, Eagles, and others)

Strigiformes (Owls)

Coraciimorphae (Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, Quetzals, and others)

Cariamiformes (Seriemas)

Falconiformes (Falcons)

Psittaciformes (Parrots)

Passeriformes:

Acanthisitti (New Zealand Wrens)

Tyranni (Overnbirds, Spadebills, Gnateaters, and others)

Menurida (Lyrebirds and others)

Climacterida (Bowerbirds and others)

Meliphagida (Honeyeaters, Bristlebirds, and others)

Orthonychida (Logrunners and others)

Corvides (Crows, Jays, Boatbills, Shriketits, Sittellas, Birds-Of-Paradise and others)

Passerides (Satinbirds, Sparrows, Larks, Tits, Oxpeckers, Thrushes, Wrens, Finches, Tanagers, Nuthatchers, and others)

Mammalia (Non-Laurasiatheria):

Monotremata (Platypus and Echidnas)

Marsupialia (Kangaroos, Opossums, Wombats, and others)

Xenarthra (Anteaters, Sloths, and others)

Athrotheria (Elephants, Manatees, Aardvarks, and others)

Lagomorpha (Rabbits, Hares and others)

Rodentia (Mice, Rats, Cavies, Beavers, Squirrels, and others)

Scandentia (Treeshrews)

Dermoptera (Colugos)

Primates (Lemurs, Marmosets, Baboons, Gibbons, Chimpanzees, and others)

Lauasiatheria (Non-Carnivora):

Eulipotyphla (Shrews, Moles, Hedgehogs, and others)

Chiroptera (Bats)

Artiodactyla (Girrafes, Deer, Whales, Pigs, Camels, and others)

Perissodactyla (Horses, Tapir, and Rhinoceros)

Pholidota (Pangolins)

Carnivora:

Viverroidea (Hyenas, Mongooses, Civets, and others)

Feloidea (Lions, Tigers, Caracals, Wildcats, Leopards, and others)

Nandiniidae (African Palm Civet)

Caninae (Wolves, Foxes, and others)

Ursidae (Bears)

Musteloidea (Skunks, Weasels, Otters, Raccoons, and others)

Pinnipedia (Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses)

Interview questions for gym leaders

[rotationalsymmetry]

I have a normal brain.

[ID: a white foam board with pink and blue post it notes all over it. The pink notes have names of biological clades such as “Cnidaria” and “neoptera” and “euteleosteomorpha” and the blue notes have names of animals like “jellyfish” and “atlas moth” and “salmon”. The notes are meant to be arranged in a way that shows relations between different clades and the clades and the animals, but there aren’t any actual lines so it’s probably pretty incomprehensible. Think the conspiracy meme picture. End ID.]

I have been playing metazooa, a game that is intended to be played once per day, a normal amount.

[animalids]

Ant (Formicidae)

Photo by shikhei goh

[faunalregion]

[bug-befriender]

This is Libelloideus coccajus, also known as owly sulphur.

Even though they look quite similar to them, owly sulphurs aren't butterflies or moths. They are owlflies, a cute family of neoptera that have attributes of both dragonflies and butterflies.

The reason i chose this specific owlfly is because it might be the most tragic little friend out there. Their antennas are perfect to sense prey when it's sunny, but once the sun fades away, so does any chance of them catching prey. If this happens, the owly sulphur does not fly away. It stays and waits for another sun. You could gently cut the blade of grass it's sitting on and pick it up, it also wont fly away.

For some, the sun will rise again. Those who aren't so lucky will starve on the very blade of grass they will hold on for the rest of their life. What a brave, yet fragile hunter.

If you live anywhere in southwest europe and happen so see an owly sulphur, be sure to take a photo, they are quite rare. And also beautiful, but that is expected since it is, indeed, an insect.

[stephanocardona]

grasshopper by norlies

[huilamagnifica-blog]

Siempre nos han encantado los insectos, su perfección, sus detalles y sus colores. #escarabajos #escarabajo #insecto #insectstagram #insectsworld #insects #insectsphotography #insects_pics #insectsofinstagram #insects_of_our_world #insects_perfection #insectsoftheworld #insectoshuila #insectos #coleóptero #coleoptero #koleos #pteron #insecta #neoptera https://www.instagram.com/p/CCOzw0dgpbd/?igshid=1r4oaeb32o2yy

[animalids]

False tiger beetle (Stigmatium sp.)

Photo by Steve & Alison1

[faunalregion]

[vtolpatrol]

[mike13mt]

Libelloides coccajus by ernstpluess