Insects in Iraq

February 8, 2020 Stan

Insects come under the phylum Arthropods that is characterized by jointed legs. Iraq contains a diverse range of insects which are brilliantly adapted to the blistering heat of the region. The following count carries the characters of some abundantly found insects in Iraq.

Prominent among insects in Iraq is the camel spider that can get as big as it wishes. It belongs to the order Soplpugida (Latin origin). It is basically a group of arachnids containing about 900 species. This order is also called Solpugida, another name. Thus, matevendos (deer killer), sun spider and the wind scorpion are the other names that belong to this order. Most Solifugae inhabit the regions ranging from tropical and sub tropical to grassland or forest. Their two large chelicerae is the most characteristic feature. Every chelicera comprises two articles that constitute a powerful pincer. The articles are loaded with the numerous teeth Long Pedipalps that work as sense organs are also exhibited by Solifugae. So, the function is randomly similar to the antennae of an insect. An appearance of two extra legs is given by the two pedipalps.

Second among insects in Iraq is the desert mantis, which blends into the sand and is essentially a carnivore. It starts forward with a tremendous speed and is found in all size and colors. The large black desert ants inhabit the acacia grooves of gif valley and the Karkur Talh. Oriental hornet is another insect found; it can exist as different species in all extreme of temperature. The temperate zone species of the hornet also has queens and workers in its social system. The fertilized queen forms nest in springs in hollow trees. She builds, on an average fifty vertical combs and then lays an egg in each which hatches in a week. The larva (fed a protein diet by the queen) spins a silk cap, altering into an adult (metamorphosis) after undergoing six stages within a week. The workers take care of the brood.

Another on the list of insects in Iraq is the desert ant that lives in desert and has an in built internal system of tracking the steps it takes. It also leaves a pheromone scent rail or visual cues to trace their path on the same way they came. Desert scorpions use their claws to hold the prey. Then, the telson is swung up and down the backs of the prey. Finally, the venom is injected; it is highly painful to humans as well. On the back, the mother carries nymphs, the young ones. It feeds on lizards and small vertebrates.

Among insects in Iraq, the fog drinking beetle also finds prominence. It has stiff and bumpy outer wings on which minute fog droplets gather and coalesce. The big droplet then releases is grip from the surface of the wing. Finally, the big drop rolls inside the mouth parts of the beetle in the desert. Other insects are the sand spider which is deadly toxic.