Dichotomous Key Worksheet for Identifying Insects Using Visual Clues and Characteristics

Let's solve this dichotomous key problem step by step. We are given six insects labeled A through F and a dichotomous key to identify each insect based on physical characteristics.

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Step 1: Understand the Dichotomous Key

The key works as follows:

- Start at step 1.
- At each step, choose a or b based on the insect’s traits.
- Follow the instruction (e.g., "Go to 2") until you reach a species name.

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We’ll analyze each insect (A–F) using the key and match it to its correct name from the word bank.

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Insect A

- Wings: Two wings (front pair only visible; rear wings reduced or absent)
- So, "The insect has 2 wings" → Go to 2
- Now look at abdomen:
- Abdomen is long and skinny → Tupula simplex

✔ A = Tupula simplex

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Insect B

- Wings: Has more than 2 wings (two pairs — front and hind wings visible)
- So, "The insect has more than 2 wings" → Go to 3
- Wings appear thin, not broad
- So, "The insect has thin wings" → Go to 5
- Abdomen is thin → Hexagenia limbata

✔ B = Hexagenia limbata

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Insect C

- Wings: Two wings (only one pair visible), but looks like a bee
- So, "The insect has 2 wings" → Go to 2
- Abdomen is short and broad → Apis mellifera

✔ C = Apis mellifera

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Insect D

- Wings: More than two wings (two pairs visible), and they are broad
- So, "More than 2 wings" → Go to 3
- Wings are broad → Go to 4
- Wings have spots → Chaetocneme denitza

✔ D = Chaetocneme denitza

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Insect E

- Wings: Two pairs (more than 2), so go to 3
- Wings are broad → Go to 4
- Wings do NOT have spots → Catopsila pomona

✔ E = Catopsila pomona

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Insect F

- Wings: Two pairs → more than 2 wings → Go to 3
- Wings are thin → Go to 5
- Abdomen is broad → Bombus fervidus

✔ F = Bombus fervidus

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✔ Final Answers:

| Letter | Insect Name |
|--------|----------------------------|
| A | Tupula simplex |
| B | Hexagenia limbata |
| C | Apis mellifera |
| D | Chaetocneme denitza |
| E | Catopsila pomona |
| F | Bombus fervidus |

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Explanation of the Process:

- A dichotomous key uses paired statements to guide identification.
- Each choice leads to the next step based on observable traits.
- Traits used here: number of wings, wing shape (broad/thin), presence of spots, and abdomen shape (broad/skinny).
- By systematically applying the key, we can correctly classify each insect.

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✔ Answer Sheet:

```
A. Tupula simplex
B. Hexagenia limbata
C. Apis mellifera
D. Chaetocneme denitza
E. Catopsila pomona
F. Bombus fervidus
```