Insects are a major part of the animal kingdom, so it is no surprise that we have so many different types of them. One way that entomologists classify them is based on the segmentation of their bodies.
Two of the main categories are symphyta and apocrita. In this blog, we will take a look at the key differences between these two groups of insects.
Characteristics of symphyta
Symphyta, also known as the “sawflies,” are a distinct order of insects belonging to the Hymenoptera family. These insects have a wide variety of characteristics that separate them from the other order, Apocrita.
Additionally, Symphyta have a single, straight ovipositor, while Apocrita have a curved one. Furthermore, unlike Apocrita, the antennae of Symphyta have more than 12 segments and are generally thicker.
Lastly, the wings of Symphyta have a single node on the radius and media veins, while Apocrita have two nodes. All of these differences between Symphyta and Apocrita make them easily distinguishable, and are key to understanding and studying the order.
Characteristics of apocrita
Apocrita, a suborder of the insect order Hymenoptera, is characterized by its distinctive body shape. They have a constricted waist between the thorax and abdomen, which is known as the petiole.
They also have a narrow and elongated body shape, with a smaller head and a larger abdomen. Apocrita are distinct from Symphyta, another suborder of Hymenoptera, in several ways. Apocrita have a single-segmented petiole and their forewings are larger than their hindwings.
They have a pair of modified legs, known as the “sting,” which is used for defense and for laying eggs. Lastly, Apocrita have a complete metamorphosis, with four distinct stages of development. All of these characteristics combine to make Apocrita a unique order of insects.
Differences between symphyta and apocrita
In the world of insects, there are two main groups: Symphyta and Apocrita. Understanding the differences between these two groups of insects can be helpful in identifying and managing different types of pests.
Apocrita, on the other hand, are characterized by a narrow waist and a long, slender abdomen. These insects also have larger antennae than Symphyta.
Another key difference between the two groups is the number of wings they possess. Symphyta typically have four wings, while Apocrita have two.
Knowing these differences can help you identify and manage various insect pests more effectively.
Examples of symphyta
Symphyta and Apocrita are two of the main suborders of the order Hymenoptera, commonly referred to as the “ants, bees, and wasps”. These two groups differ significantly in their morphology and behavior. Symphyta, more commonly referred to as “sawflies”, have a straight antennae, live in colonies and are mostly herbivorous.
Symphyta, more commonly referred to as “sawflies”, have a straight antennae, live in colonies and are mostly herbivorous. Apocrita, which include ants, bees, and wasps, have a bent antennae, live separately, and are mostly carnivorous. Some of the most distinguishable characteristics of symphyta are their saw-like ovipositor, which they use to lay eggs in plants, and their larvae which are often mistaken for caterpillars.
Apocrita, on the other hand, have a thin waist between their thorax and abdomen and use their ovipositor to inject venom into their prey. Ultimately, the difference between symphyta and apocrita lies in their behavior, morphology and diet.
Examples of apocrita
Apocrita is an order of insects belonging to the subclass Acari, which is a subset of the class Arachnida. Apocrita are characterized by having a distinct waist between their thorax and abdomen, which is absent in symphyta.
The order is divided into two suborders: the parasitoid wasps, which are largely responsible for pest control, and the ants, bees, and wasps, which are more well known for their role in pollination. Apocrita are also unique for their highly developed ovipositors, which are used to lay eggs. This feature is absent in symphyta, which instead rely on external fertilization.
Apocrita are incredibly diverse and important to a healthy environment, as they help to control pests, pollinate plants, and provide a food source for other animals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main difference between Symphyta and Apocrita is the presence of a narrowed waist in the latter. Symphyta have a broad connection between their thorax and abdomen, while Apocrita have a narrow constriction between them.
Symphyta lay eggs that are exposed to the environment, while Apocrita lay eggs that are protected by a hardened egg sac. Symphyta are considered primitive, while Apocrita are considered more advanced.
