Insects
Insects
Insects are found on land, in water, and in the air. Find out what makes this Class of animals so successful.
Learning Objective: Provide the characteristics for animals in Class Insecta, and identify characteristics of species in several insect Orders.
From the arthropod section or your own background knowledge, what are two characteristics of insects?
Insects have three body parts: a head, thorax (chest) and abdomen. They also have three sets of legs.
Most arthropods have compound eyes. Each of the smaller “eyes” has its own retina and photoreceptors. Compound eyes have a large view angle and can detect rapid movement. In some cases compound eyes can also detect polarized light that indicates the presence of food or water.
This video provides an overview of the insect Orders you are likely to encounter.
Watch this video; you can select the closed captioning “cc” option if you would like to see the text.
Some people mistakenly call all insects “bugs.” Bugs are the correct name for insects classified in Order _____.
In the next section, a closer look at the most diverse insect Order: beetles.
Check your knowledge – Insects
Review your notes. Can you provide examples of different insect Orders and their characteristics? If so, move forward to the next page.
Learning Objective:
Provide the characteristics for animals in Class Insecta, and identify characteristics of species in several insect Orders.
Go back to the Species Page
Go forward to the Beetles Page
This Module
4: What is it?
This Guide
4A: Classification
Products Information
4A: Quiz & Media
