Subclass Pterygota:
Pterous (winged) insects, develop by metamorphosis
Division Endopterygota
(endo = inner; pteron = wing)
Neuropteroid orders
(neuron = nerve; pteron = wing)
Order Hymenoptera
(hymen = membrane; pteron = wing)
COMMON NAMES: Bees, wasps, ants
QUICK DESCRIPTION: Bees, wasps and ants are mostly hard-bodied and often have tiny "waists" between the segments of the abdomen. Many species have two pairs of wings and are excellent fliers, but some are wingless. Some adults have chewing mouthparts, and many also are able to suck up liquids. Some species have a stinger at the end of the abdomen for defence, and they use them! Adults lay eggs which hatch into larvae, and then develop into pupae and adults. (The Carpenter ant is Bug-of-the-Month for April, the Yellow-jacket wasp is Bug-of-the-Month for August, and the Bald-faced hornet is Bug-of-the-Month for September.
MINUTE DETAILS: Minute to medium-sized insects; head usually with well-developed compound eyes, mandibulate mouthparts (though usually adapted for sucking also); two pairs of transparent wings present in most species, fore and hind wings coupled, venation reduced; abdomen in most species markedly constricted between segments one and two, with former intimately fused with metathorax; females with an ovipositor which is modified in some species for purposes in addition to egg laying.
Larvae caterpillarlike (suborder Symphyta) or maggotlike (suborder Apocrita).
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