Insects

Insects are the most diverse class of arthropods, and the most diverse group of animals on Earth.

The majority of known animal species are insects.

There may be as many as 10 million different insect species.

Most insects live in land, although a few live in water.

They are the only invertebrates (animals without backbones) that can fly.

All insects have a body that is made up of three segments, which are known as the head, the thorax and the abdomen.

Each of these segments is made up of smaller segments.

The head has a pair of compound eyes, a pair of antennae and appendages that are modified for eating (mouthparts.)

Three pairs of segmented legs are attached to the thorax.

The thorax may also have one or two pairs of wings.

The abdomen contains digestive and reproductive organs.

Almost all insects undergo a process called metamorphosis, in which the insect's body changes its outward appearance during its lifetime.

Click on the links below to find out more about different types of insects.