Symphyta
Symphyta includes sawflies and horntails or wood wasps. These are primitive insects. They have a broad waist, and the females have a well developed saw-like ovipositor. Most of them are phytophagous and can cause destruction to food crops. The horntails are non-social insects that can pierce wood.
Apocrita
Apocrita is a sub-order under Hymenoptera that includes ants, bees and wasps. These insects are characterised by a ‘wasp-like waist’ between the segments of their abdomen. This narrow waist is a significant adaptation that allows free movement of the female’s ovipositor.
Eusociality
Most advanced hymenopterans like bees, ants and wasps have a good social organization. They have a proper division of labour and cooperative caring for broods. They have divisions, such as soldiers, reproducers, workers, etc. This helps in the better survival of the organism.
Difference between Symphyta and Apocrita
Symphyta |
Apocrita |
|
They include primitive insects such as horntails and sawflies. |
They include evolved insects like wasps, bees and ants. |
|
Their abdomen and thorax are joined by a broad structure. |
Their abdomen and thorax are joined by a ‘narrow-waist’. |
|
Most of them have Cenchrus (except Cephidae) to hold their wings when they are at rest. It is found at the base of the scutellum. |
Cenchrus is absent in Apocrita. |
|
Their ovipositor is ‘saw-like’ (sawflies). This helps them to cut through the plant and lay their eggs. |
Their ovipositor is modified into a stinger. Stingers are often associated with a venom gland. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hymenoptera?
What is a parasitoid?
Parasitoids are organisms that spend their larval stage in a host. Some kill their host, whereas others do not. Thus, they can be used as biological pest control agents. They lay eggs and kill hosts such as beetles, caterpillars, etc. Most parasitoids are found in the order Hymenoptera. Example – Ichneumon wasps.
What are woodwasps?
Woodwasps are primitive insects belonging to the sub-order Symphyta. Horntails or woodwasps are wood borers. Their larvae can bore the wood and stay there for years. They cause serious damage to timber and fine woods.
Also Read:
Keep Exploring BYJU’S Biology for more exciting topics.
Comments