Invasive Species/Invasive Species List

This is the National Invasive Species Official List with information on each taxon. As indicated here, one should study the following:


 * Common name and scientific name
 * Pictures of the species with unique identification tips, damage it causes, and life cycle
 * Region of origin and year of introduction
 * State or body of water where first discovered
 * How was it introduced
 * Transport – how is it spread and history of its spread throughout the country
 * Distribution maps
 * Mode of reproduction
 * Adaptive anatomy and special adaptions to the environment
 * Habitat characteristics as diet, behavior, niche, species displacement, trophic level
 * Damage it does and how it effects the environment and natural food web of the environment-ecological, biological, human health and economic damage
 * Preventive measures
 * Control methods and effectiveness of each methods
 * Laws or regulations about collecting or distributing this species

Invertebrates
For more information, see Invasive Species List/Invertebrates.

Aquatic Animals
For more information, see Invasive Species List/Aquatic Animals.

The list also includes Asian carps, but no specific species are listed. Some of the most significant species of Asian carps in the United States are silver carp, bighead carp, grass carp, and black carp.

Terrestrial Plants
For more information, see Invasive Species List/Terrestrial Plants.

Aquatic Plants
For more information, see Invasive Species List/Aquatic Plants.

Additional Information on Taxa
Although it is not necessary to know information on the broader taxa (i.e., taxonomic classifications above species), it may be helpful. {|
 * Additional Information on Taxa
 * Additional Information on Taxa

Class Insecta
Although this taxon is not specifically mentioned on the official list, it is a good idea to know that in order to be classified as an Insect, an organism must possess the following characteristics: For an explanation of these terms, please visit this site
 * It must be a member of Kingdom Animalia:
 * Multicellular
 * Eukaryotic
 * Heterotrophic
 * It must be a member of Phylum Arthropoda:
 * Chitinous exoskeleton
 * Jointed, paired appendages
 * Bilateral symmetry
 * Ventral nervous system
 * Open, dorsal circulatory system
 * It must be a member of Subphylum Mandibulata:
 * Mandibles flanking the mouth; used as jaws
 * It must be a member of Superclass Hexapoda:
 * 6 Legs
 * Head, thorax, abdomen
 * It must be a member of Class Insecta:
 * 6 Legs
 * 0-2 Pairs of wings
 * Generally at least one compound eye

Order Diptera: True Flies
Diptera is an order of insects with the following general characteristics:
 * Mouthparts: Suctorial, sponging (haustellate), some piercing; Antennae filiform, stylate, or aristate;
 * Eyes: Large compound eyes on sides of head, 3 ocelli on top;
 * Wings: 1 pair of wings, HW reduced to halters (vibrate during flight), some wingless; can hover, fly backwards, turn in place, & even fly upside down to land on a ceiling;
 * Thorax: Mesothorax larger than pro- or metathorax;
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