Insect Order Taxonomy – Key
University of Maryland - Kent County 4-H
All the Insects Have:
3 Body Parts - Head, Thorax and Abdomen
6 Legs
Wings
Antennae – 2
Compound Eyes - 2
*Graphic cited below
1. Orthoptera – Grasshoppers, Crickets and Katydids
4 wings, strong jumping back legs, usually brown or green in color
2. Homoptera – Planthoppers, Cicadas and Leafhoppers
4 wings held tent-like over body, sucking mouthparts, all plant feeders
3. Hemiptera – True Bugs
4 wings, X pattern on wings; half lacey/half leathery, triangular pronotum,
piercing-sucking mouthparts
4. Lepidoptera – Butterflies and Moths
4 wings that interlock, curled proboscis, scales on wings
5. Coleoptera – Beetles
4 wings: 2 for flying, 2 hard covering abdomen (elytra), chewing mouthparts
6. Diptera – Flies and Mosquitoes
2 wings, 2 trochanters, large eyes
7. Hymenoptera – Bees, Wasps and Ants
4 wings, chewing or sucking mouthparts, some females with stingers or
ovipositors
*Amsel, Sheri. “Entomology - Study of Insects.” Insect Orders List Only (Grade K-2). Exploring Nature Educational Resource. © 2005 - 2012.
October 23, 2012. http://exploringnature.org/db/detail.php?dbID=13&detID=2541
Elizabeth M. S. Hill, Faculty Extension Asst., 4-H Youth Development
University of Maryland Extension, Kent County
Developed 10/23/12
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