The main formative targets are:
1) the acquisition of a basic knowledge on morphology, anatomy, physiology and evolution of the main insect groups.
2) the acquisition of both theoretical and practical knowledge on systematics and classification of the hexapoda.
3) the construction of a solid cultural background for an advanced discussion on causes and effects of the amazing evolutionary success and diversity of insects and on their importance in basic and applied studies.
4) the acquisition of the tools for the insect taxonomic identification, expecially for those orders and families present in the italian fauna.
5) to stimulate the curiosity and the ability of critically observe the nature.
6) the self-evaluation by the student of the competence whitin the animal biology, and in particular in the entomology.
1) the acquisition of a basic knowledge on morphology, anatomy, physiology and evolution of the main insect groups.
2) the acquisition of both theoretical and practical knowledge on systematics and classification of the hexapoda.
3) the construction of a solid cultural background for an advanced discussion on causes and effects of the amazing evolutionary success and diversity of insects and on their importance in basic and applied studies.
4) the acquisition of the tools for the insect taxonomic identification, expecially for those orders and families present in the italian fauna.
5) to stimulate the curiosity and the ability of critically observe the nature.
6) the self-evaluation by the student of the competence whitin the animal biology, and in particular in the entomology.
teacher profile teaching materials
2. Phylogeny of insects. Classification: diagnostic characters at the order level and an overview of the most important families, with particular regard to the Italian fauna.
3. Methods for studying, collecting, preparing, and preserving insects.
P.J. Gullan & P.S. Cranston “Lineamenti di Entomologia” Zanichelli
R.G. Davies “Lineamenti di Entomologia” Zanichelli
Minelli, A., Bologna, M.A. Sistematica ed evoluzione degli esapodi, Liguori Ed.
Other available volumes:
To support laboratory and field exercises and the study of systematics:
Various illustrated guides for insect identification
Programme
1. Basic and Applied Entomology. Overview and issues in the phylogeny of arthropods and related groups. Origin, causes, and significance of the evolutionary success of insects and their diversity. Exoskeleton; structure of the integument and cuticle; colors. Body regions; sclerites; appendages and wings. Musculature and endoskeleton; adaptations for movement in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Respiratory system and respiration; respiration in aquatic environments. Excretion. Cephalic appendages and mouthparts; anatomy and physiology of the digestive system; feeding strategies. Circulatory system and hemolymph. Reproduction: structure and functional morphology of genital segments and appendages; reproductive systems and reproductive behaviors; eggs; sperm. Embryonic and post-embryonic development. Endocrine system: hormones and endocrine organs. Exocrine glands. Central, visceral, and peripheral nervous systems and sense organs. Simple and compound eyes. Production of light and sound. Crypsis and mimicry. Pheromones and courtship; parental care; social behavior. Predation; parasitism; symbiosis. Orientation; migrations; dispersal. Biogeography of insects2. Phylogeny of insects. Classification: diagnostic characters at the order level and an overview of the most important families, with particular regard to the Italian fauna.
3. Methods for studying, collecting, preparing, and preserving insects.
Core Documentation
Textbooks that may be used (as specified by the instructor):P.J. Gullan & P.S. Cranston “Lineamenti di Entomologia” Zanichelli
R.G. Davies “Lineamenti di Entomologia” Zanichelli
Minelli, A., Bologna, M.A. Sistematica ed evoluzione degli esapodi, Liguori Ed.
Other available volumes:
To support laboratory and field exercises and the study of systematics:
Various illustrated guides for insect identification
Reference Bibliography
G. Grandi “Istituzioni di entomologia generale” Edizioni Calderini V.B. Wigglesworth “La vita degli Insetti” Garzanti R.F. Chapman “The Insects: structure and function” Hodder & Stoughton, London C. Gillot “Entomology” Plenum Press, New York O.W. Richards & R.G. Davies “Imm’s general textbook of entomology” Chapman & Hall, London Vol. I e II B. Baccetti et al. “Zoologia. Trattato italiano” vol.2, ZanichelliAttendance
MandatoryType of evaluation
Oral test based on the book information, with practical identification of samples collected by the student