Classification of insects

Introduction 

Insect classification is the process of grouping insects into categories based on their characteristics, evolutionary relationships, and shared features. Insects are classified using a hierarchical system, with each level becoming more specific:

1. Kingdom: Animalia (animals)

2. Phylum: Arthropoda (arthropods)

3. Class: Insecta (insects)

4. Order: (e.g., Lepidoptera for butterflies and moths, Coleoptera for beetles)

5. Family: (e.g., Formicidae for ants)

6. Genus: (e.g., Apis for honey bees)

7. Species: (e.g., Apis mellifera for the western honey bee)

Objective of classification

Insect classification helps us understand:

1. Evolutionary relationships

2. Shared characteristics

3. Diversity and distribution

This classification system is essential for entomologists, researchers, and scientists to study and communicate about insects effectively.

Classes of insects

Insects belong to the class Insecta, which is divided into several orders. There are approximately 1 million described species of insects, classified into:

1. Insecta (class): Divided into multiple orders, including:

30-40 orders: Some sources recognize around 30-40 distinct orders of insects, including:

        - Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths)

        - Coleoptera (beetles)

        - Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps)

        - Diptera (flies)

        - Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets)

Some of the main orders of insects include:

1. Coleoptera (beetles)

2. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths)

3. Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps)

4. Diptera (flies)

5. Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets)

6. Hemiptera (true bugs)

7. Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies)

8. Blattodea (cockroaches)

9. Phasmatodea (stick insects)

10. Mantodea (mantises)

These orders are further divided into families, genera, and species.

Keep in mind that classification can vary depending on the source, and new research may lead to changes in our understanding of insect relationships and classification.