Classification

Domain: Eukarya
        Organisms within the Domain Eukarya possess membrane-bound organelles, as well as a true nucleus containing DNA  (Hickman et al. 2009).Picture of Trichodes apivorus

Kingdom: Animalia
         
Trichodes apivorus belong to this kingdom because they are eukarotic, motile, heterotrophs, multicellular, and lack cell walls (Hickman et al. 2009).

Phylum: Arthropoda
        All the members of this phylum have an exoskeleton, segmented bodies, and grow by molting (ecdysis) (Hickman et al. 2009).

Class: Insecta
        Trichodes apivorus is a member of this class due to the fact that they have compound eyes, three pair of jointed legs, and a chitonous exoskeleton (Hickman et al. 2009).

Order: Coleoptera
        This particular order is commonly known as beetles.  Trichodes apivorus belong to this order because they have two sets of wings, specifically the elytra and the hindwings (Burton 1968).

Suborder: Polyphaga
        This is a group distinguished by its omnivorous members (Burton 1968).  Trichodes apivorus' diet of pollen and bee larvae identifies them as a member of this suborder (Burton 1968).

Superfamily: Cleroidea
        Trichodes apivorus is included in Cleroidea because the group's main characteristic is having a slender body, often hairy, and with elytra (Burton 1968).

Family: Cleridae
        This family is known as the Checkered Beetles.  Members are highly colorful and often with intricate designs, cylindrical in shape, hairy, and typically have larvae that prey upon the larvae of other species (Burton 1968).

Genus: Trichodes
        The name "Trichodes" means "hairy" or "shaggy" in Latin (Dillon 1961).  Additionally, Trichodes are moderately sized, have elongated bodies, eyes on the anterior of the head, antennae bearing eleven segments, maxillary (upper jaw) and labial (lips) sense organs, and are four-segmented (Dillon 1961).

Species: apivorus
        Apivorus is latin for the phrase "bee-eater(Wolcott 1947)."  As the adult form is capable of eating other flower-visiting insects (bees), and the juvenile stages feed on bee larvae, the name is suitable.

 

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