About What Is an Insect?
Insects are arthropods with three main body regions, six legs, one pair of antennae, and an external skeleton. Most adult insects also have wings. Scientists have described more than a million insect species, and many more likely remain undiscovered.
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Three Body Regions
An insect body is divided into head, thorax, and abdomen.
Learn MoreSix Legs
All adult insects have three pairs of legs.
Learn MoreExoskeleton
Insects wear their skeleton on the outside.
Learn MoreAntennae
Antennae are important sensory organs.
Learn MoreWings
Insects were the first animals known to evolve powered flight.
Learn MoreEyes
Many insects have compound eyes plus simple eyes.
Learn MoreDiversity
Insects live in nearly every terrestrial and freshwater habitat.
Learn MoreEcological Roles
Insects pollinate plants, recycle nutrients, feed other animals, control populations, and sometimes damage crops or spread disease.
Learn MoreThree Body Regions
The head carries major sensory organs and mouthparts. The thorax carries six legs and, when present, the wings. The abdomen contains much of the digestive and reproductive system.
Six Legs
Legs can be adapted for walking, jumping, digging, swimming, grasping, or collecting pollen.
Exoskeleton
The exoskeleton provides support and protection but must be shed as the insect grows.
Antennae
They can detect odors, touch, air movement, humidity, and other environmental information.
Wings
Most winged insects have one or two pairs, though wings can be reduced or absent in some groups.
Eyes
Compound eyes are made of many visual units and are especially good at detecting movement.
Diversity
They occur in deserts, forests, grasslands, farms, caves, streams, ponds, cities, and polar regions.
Ecological Roles
Their ecological importance is far greater than their small body size suggests.