Taking to the Air

INTD 218, January 2021

 

Taking to the Air

Insects are the only invertebrates with wings, and this chapter of Life in the Undergrowth explores the advantages that come with the ability to fly. In addition, the chapter highlights metamorphosis and molting among the insects. Please answer this series of questions provided, as you move along in the documentary. The Answer to any one question must not exceed 20 words.

 

The Questions:

1. Is the metamorphosis exhibited by Mayflies and Dragonflies complete or incomplete? Please explain.

 

 

2. Why did the first insects adapt to fly?

 

 

3. How fast can dragonflies fly?

 

 

4. What makes the dragonfly so agile in the air?

 

 

5. In which stage of life does the damselfly spend most of its time?

 

 

6. What is different about egg laying in butterflies and damselflies?

 

 

7. How do butterflies and damselflies fly differently?

 

 

8. Why would the wasp lay its eggs in the caterpillar? Please explain very briefly.

 

 

9. How do butterflies feed? (Remember what we learned about mouthparts, and be specific)

 

 

10. Why are butterfly wings so pretty? (Think about the functions of color in insects, be specific)

 

 

11. Why does the Lantern Bug flick out liquid?

 

 

12. How do bees warm up for flight?

 

 

13. Why don’t bees wait until the temperature is warmer to collect nectar?

 

 

14. What happen to flies back wings? Why is this change important?

 

 

15. Besides flying, for what else can wings be used?

 

 

16. What types of insects hide their wings?

 

 

17. How often do cicadas emerge from the ground? Why do they leave the ground?

 

 

18. How is the metamorphosis exhibited by Cicadas different from the one exhibited by Mayflies and Dragonflies?