This document summarizes the characteristics of two insect orders: Trichoptera and Siphonoptera. Trichoptera, or caddisflies, have hairy wings and well-developed claspers on their abdomen used for mating. Their larvae live in cases. They are classified in the single family Hydroptilidae. Siphonoptera, or fleas, are wingless ectoparasites with laterally compressed bodies. They have long, thin legs and sucking mouthparts bearing a siphon. They are classified into two families based on eye and genal comb presence.

1. Syed Muhammad Ali Zahid
Department of Entomology
University College of Agriculture
University of Sargodha

2. Trichoptera
• Trichos : Hairs
• Ptera : Wings
• E.g. Caddisfly

3.  Have a fringe of hairs on the lower side of wings

4. Head
 Long, setaceous antennae
 M.P.s are Chewing-type

5. Thorax
 Wings are membranous

6. Abdomen
 Occasionally, have scales on abdomen
 Adult resembles with Moth

7.  Have well developed “Clasper” at the end of abdomen
Clasper
A fork-like structure
 Used to hold female during mating

8.  Larvae of these insects live cases of soil mud

9. Classification
 Have a single family
1. Hydroptilidae

10. Siphonoptera
• Siphon : Tube
• Aptera : Wingless
• E.g. Fleas

11. Characters
 Body is compressed laterally
 These insects are wingless
 These are ecto-parasites

12.  M.P.s bears a “Siphon”

13. Head
 Short antennae
 Lies in grooves
 Eyes may or may not be present

14.  Legs are long, thin and skinny
 Wings are absent

15. Classification
 Have 2 families
1. Pulicidae
• Eyes are absent
• “Genal comb” is present
• E.g. Animals flea

16. 2. Dolichopsyllidae
• Eyes are absent
• Genal comb is absent
• E.g. Human flea

17.  “Genal comb” is a row of spines below head