Insect Anatomy

Basic Insect Anatomy

External Structure Adult insects have: A body divided into three regions (parts) head thorax abdomen Six legs attached to the thorax One or more pair of wings One pair antennae

Three body regions: Head Thorax Abdomen

Head The head of an insect is composed of mainly rigid segments. The head contains the compound eyes, simple eyes (ocelli), mouthparts, and antennae.

Mouthparts There are two main functional groups: mandibulate and haustellate.  Mandibles (jaws) Used for biting, chewing and severing food. Haustellate used for piercing-sucking, sponging, and siphoning.

Mouthparts

Insects that pierce or suck often transmit disease from plant to plant disease vectors The type of mouthpart is very important in IMP A systemic pesticide works best on insects that pierce or suck

Thorax the sight of most major muscle groups where wings and legs are connected the sight of most major muscle groups highly modified for locomotion.

Abdomen Where the organs are found and the systems that it needs to breathe, reproduce, and digest food.

Insect sensory organs Insect compound eyes and ocelli Insect sensillae Insect ears

Sensory Structure Some have keen (good) sense of vision to capture prey Some just perceive (notice) shape and movement Antennae help insects locate food and mates by smell (pheromones)

Insects breather through small openings (spiracles) fumigants and spray oils can block these opening and smother insects

A rigid exoskeleton requires molting to grow

Anatomy of a cricket

Anatomy of Praying Mantis

Anatomy of a Beetle

Anatomy of a Wasp

Song: Head, Thorax, Abdomen (Tune: Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes) Head, Thorax, Abdomen… Abdomen Head, Thorax, Abdomen…Abdomen 6 legs 2 Antennae And Compound Eyes Don't forget the ones with wings… Ones with wings!   Motions: Head: point to head, Thorax: point to stomach area, Abdomen: point to rear and shake 6 legs: show 6 fingers 2 Antennae: with index finger wiggling above head Compound Eyes: hands cupped like "c" around eyes Wings: interlock hands at thumbs and wiggle fingers in flying motion