9- Insect diversity We will get a flavor for the incredible diversity of insects by examining some of the specimens from our collection. These belong to some of the most familiar orders of insects, which differ in their wing arrangement, the morphology of their mouthparts, and in whether they undergo complete metamorphosis from the larval to the adult stage. No metamorphosis Order Orthoptera - grasshoppers, crickets, cockroaches, walking sticks and praying mantids. These insects have four wings folded over their backs. The immature 'nymphs' resemble the adults, except that they do not have any wings.
Most species eat plants or detritus, with the spectacular exception of the predatory praying mantis.
Many species of orthopterans are shaped or colored for concealment. There has been substantial evolutionary change among orthopterans in their body form. Observe the specimens from the different groups and compare their body forms. Cockroach anatomy - Explicitly compare the body form of the cockroach to the grasshopper. Draw the head of a cockroach.