term paper topics?

[rattekonigin]

I have to write a term paper for my entomology class but I haven't even an inkling of what I want to use as a topic...so I figured I'd ask here to see if anyone keeps any interesting bugs to pique my interest...but I don't think arachnids count, since they aren't insects, so any tarantula/scorpion type stuff probably wouldn't work, although I did e-mail my professor to find out for sure...

[Syst3m]

I don't keep one myself. And I don't have any pictures off hand.
But have you ever seen a vietnamese centipede? VERY interesting looking bug. its about 4 inches long and thick as can be. Bright orange legs. PM me and I will dig up any info I can on it.

The Jerusalem Cricket, Stenopelmatus fuscus is an interesting bug. look at http://www.extension.unr.edu/Plants/Jerusalemcrick.html

[Linds]

Coul you do it on invertabrates? That covers arachnids as well as insects...........

[Quervo]

there's always Lindsay's favorite. Mantids !
There is a lot of info to be gleaned from the mantid forums, and mantises are an insect that is drawing some interest in the entimology world right now.
Try http://forum.insecthobbyist.com/mantids/index.html There is a fellow that goes by "nrtheastah" that is very knowledgeable on mantids.

[beyowulf]

wow, those Jerusalem Crickets are pretty cool!!! THey get HUGE....That's my pick, although if you get to do arachnids, do the whiptail scorpion, it's gross, creepy and interesting all at once (plus it, like, shoots vinegar or something...)

[rattekonigin]

Turns out I can do arachnids after all! My prof said that they are traditionally covered by entomology even though they aren't actually insects...You guys have given me some good suggestions too! Mucho Thanks!

[nouserpif]

wait, hold it, try mantophasmatodea, a new insect class/species! I am email me! I will dig up the video I had on my comp of it, and I'l try to get you a good site or two.. These are REALLY cool, they haven't found a new class since 1935 or something... Come on! MANTOPHASMATODEA! they look like a cross between grasshoppers, mantids, and stick bugs! so funkey, email me!
Dan Conner

er since 1914, a useless bit of knowledge

er and they are currently using the common name 'gladiator' and *sigh* yes they got it from the movie