ACE Insect Taxonomy & Classification 2

Question 1

The family Muscidae, which includes the house fly (Musca domestica), belongs to which order?

Accepted Answer

Diptera

Answer

House flies belong to the family Muscidae within the order Diptera (true flies), characterized by two functional wings and halteres.

Question 2

Aphids, scale insects, and whiteflies are all classified within which insect order?

Accepted Answer

Hemiptera

Answer

Aphids, scales, whiteflies, and true bugs all belong to Hemiptera, characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts and, in many subgroups, partially hardened forewings (hemelytra).

Question 3

What is the correct scientific name format for a species, following the rules of binomial nomenclature?

Accepted Answer

Genus species (genus capitalized, species lowercase)

Answer

Binomial nomenclature requires the genus to be capitalized and the species epithet to be lowercase, both written in italics (e.g., Musca domestica).

Question 4

The German cockroach has the scientific name Blattella germanica. To which family does it belong?

Accepted Answer

Ectobiidae

Answer

Blattella germanica (German cockroach) belongs to the family Ectobiidae (formerly Blattellidae), which includes small-sized cockroaches found in domestic settings.

Question 5

Which taxonomic tool uses a series of paired, contrasting statements to lead the user step-by-step to an identification?

Accepted Answer

Dichotomous key

Answer

A dichotomous key presents a series of paired choices (couplets), each leading to another couplet or to a final identification, guiding the user through observable characteristics.

(ACE) Associate Certified Entomologist Practice Test

(ACE) Associate Certified Entomologist Practice Test

ACE Insect Taxonomy & Classification 2