Insect Basics
Are insects warm or cold blooded?
Cold blooded
What is the hard outside covering of an insect’s body called?
Exoskeleton
What are made of many tiny lenses?
Compound eyes
Name the 3 body segments of an insect.
head, thorax, abdomen
Spiracles are the holes through which insects ________.
Breathe
Female insects use an ovipositor to ____________________.
Lay eggs
What is entomology?
The study of insects
What is the shedding of the exoskeleton called?
Molting
With what body part do insects “smell”?
antennae
Name the 3 MAIN characteristics of an insect?
6 legs, an exoskeleton, 3 body sections
Name the three types of insect mouths.
chewing, sucking, and sponging
What is another name for the ocellus?
Simple eye
What 2 additional characteristics do insects USUALLY have?
Wings and compound eyes
What small, wing-like structures are used to help some insects balance?
halteres
What body part do insects use to chew?
Mandibles