What Makes an Insect an Insect? (p )

size range from 1/100 inch to 13+ inches long 1.

exoskeleton means “hard outer covering” 3 purposes (functions): helps protect their internal (inside) organs helps keep them from drying out muscles are connected to the exoskeleton 2.

segments 3 main body parts: 1) head 2) thorax (legs & wings attached here) 3) abdomen 3.

legs most have 6 legs legs can tell us where it lives & what it eats 4.

wings is the only invertebrate that can fly most have 4 wings only the adults have wings 5.

very large on the side of the head with many lenses each lens forms one image small triangle, located between compound eyes compound eyes simple eyes poor eyesight compared to us 6. two types:

entomologist a scientist who studies insects 7.

antennae used to feel, smell, and hear two, located on head 8.

sensory hairs covered with “sensory” hairs that can notice movement, pressure, smell, and sound hairs are connected to central nervous system 9.

10. insect blood simple circulatory system which means they DON’T have a complicated system of veins and arteries simple heart pumps blood into “open” body parts nearly colorless blood carries dissolved food and waste materials

pheromones a chemical that carries messages to other insects attracts a mate leads others to food 11.