kendal meharg september 2010. lots of creatures get lumped into the category of creepy-crawlies.....

Kendal MehargSeptember 2010

Lots of creatures get lumped into the category of creepy-crawlies…..

InsectsArthropodsCrustaceansArachnids

But what does it mean to be an insect??

Six Legs (3 pairs of jointed legs) A body divided into a head, thorax and

abdomen An exoskeleton Two antennae

Insects can only have 6 legsNo more no less!

Insects must have two antenna

Spiders are arachnids not insects.

Ants fulfill all the requirements of an insect:Six legsBody divided into: head, thorax and

abdomenTwo antennaExoskeleton

Centipedes have too many legs! There bodies are not divided up into a

head, thorax and abdomen

Although they are sometimes grouped into the category of insects; centipedes are arthropods.

Crabs are crustaceans

They have an exoskeleton, however they have more than 6 legs and don’t have antenna

The cockroach had exactly six legs Its body is divided into 3 parts: head

thorax and abdomen And Cockroaches have an exoskeleton:

this is why they crunch and squish when you step on them!!

If a creature has:Six Legs (3 pairs of jointed legs)A body divided into a head, thorax and abdomenAn exoskeleton Two antennae

Then it’s an Insect!

Spider:http://mlguide.blogspot.com/2010/07/spiders-of-

baja-baja-califorina-guide.html Ant:http://wild-facts.com/2010/01/19/wild-fact-894-

family-matters-argentine-ants/ Centipede:http://www.desertusa.com/animals/centipede-

bites.html Crab:http://www.provokator.org/articles/study-fiddler-

crabs-exchange-sex-survival Cockroach:http://animals.howstuffworks.com/insects/

cockroach.htm/printable