Insects

Definition of Insects as it relates to Animals, Invertebrates, Arthropods

Insects are a fascinating group within the Arthropods category, and they are characterized by having a segmented body, three pairs of jointed legs, and usually one pair of antennae. They are also distinguished by having an exoskeleton composed of chitin, which provides support and protection while allowing for growth through molting. Insects undergo complete or partial metamorphosis, with some species going through a larval stage before reaching adulthood. As invertebrates, insects contribute significantly to various ecosystems by serving as decomposers, pollinators, and prey for other animals. Their diversity is immense, with approximately 900,000 known species and potentially millions more yet to be discovered. Insects can be found in almost every habitat on Earth, from the depths of the ocean to mountain peaks, displaying a wide range of adaptations that enable their survival in various environments. Insects have a profound impact on human life as well, with both positive and negative consequences. On one hand, they play crucial roles in pollination, nutrient cycling, and natural pest control. On the other hand, some species can transmit diseases or damage crops, making them significant agricultural pests. In summary, insects represent a diverse group of small, segmented animals with exoskeletons that inhabit various ecosystems worldwide. They are essential to ecological balance and have significant interactions with human life, making the study of this subgroup within Arthropods both fascinating and important.

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  • [GardenInsects.com] Garden Insects
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  • [FlyingInsects.com] flyinginsects.com | Venture
  • [AquaticInsects.org] Aquatic Insects of Michigan
  • [insects.eaap.org] EAAP Insects Commission – EAAP Insects Commission website
  • [songsofinsects.com] Our Insects Musicians | A Guide to the Voices of Crickets, Katydids Cicadas
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  • [Entomologist.net] Exploring the Fascinating World of Insects - Entomologist.net
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  • [Herbivory.com] Insects on Plants, Chemical Ecology, and Coevolution – Website of the Phytophagy Lab at Cornell University, led by a href=https://live-agrawal.pantheonsite.io/prof-anurag-argrawal/Anurag Agrawal/a, a href=https://live-agrawal.pantheonsite.io/2017/11/16/who-was-james-a-perkins/ style=font-style:italic;James A. Perkins Professor of Environmental Studies/a
  • [ButterflyIdentification.org] Butterfly, Moth, and Skipper Identification - North American Flying Insects
  • [bugs2rest.com] Bedbugs, Rodents, Insects Spiders - Attic Clean Up. Sacramento Pest Control Rodent Trapping
  • [worldmigratorybirdday.org] Protect insects, protect birds #WMBD2024 | World Migratory Bird Day
  • [shoo-fly.com] Welcome to Shoo-fly | Shoo-fly Inc. | Flying Insect Control Designed by Horse People, for Horse People
  • [icipe.org] icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
  • [off.com] OFF! Mosquito Insect Repellent | Prevent Bug Bites Every Day!
  • [Repel.com] Repel Outdoor Insect Repellents
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  • [InsectIdentification.org] Insect, Bugs and Spider Identification - North America
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  • [pdic.ces.ncsu.edu] Plant Disease and Insect Clinic | NC State Extension
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  • [bugsoftennessee.com] Bugs of Tennessee - Cataloging Insect and Bug Species of Tennessee
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  • [centor.com] Centor Doors and Windows, Insect Screens and Hardware Systems |
  • [Citronella.org] Unlocking the Power of Citronella: A Guide to Natural Insect Repellents
  • [Olfactometers.com] Sigma Scientific LLC Micanopy, FL Insect olfactometry equpment
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  • [pestworldforkids.org] Kid-Friendly Insect Research, Bug Facts, Information on Pests
  • [off.ca] OFF! Mosquito, Tick Insect Repellents | SC Johnson
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