Insects

Insects are amazing creatures that belong to the largest group of animals on Earth. They have three main body parts: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. Insects also have three pairs of legs and usually two pairs of wings. Their heads have large compound eyes and antennae, which help them sense their environment.

Insects have a hard outer shell called an exoskeleton, made mostly of chitin, which protects their bodies. They breathe through tiny openings along their sides called spiracles. Their blood doesn't carry oxygen like ours does; instead, they have a network of tubes that deliver air directly to their tissues.

Most insects hatch from eggs and go through several stages of growth, including larvae and pupae, before becoming adults. Some insects, like butterflies, undergo complete metamorphosis, changing dramatically from larvae to adults. Others, like grasshoppers, go through incomplete metamorphosis, where young insects look like small adults and grow larger through molts.

Insects can be found in almost every habitat on Earth, from hot deserts to cold mountains. Some are solitary, while others, like bees and ants, live in large colonies. Insects play vital roles in nature, such as pollinating plants, decomposing dead material, and serving as food for other animals. Despite their small size, insects are incredibly important for our world.