Insects make up 73% of the world's living organisms and have bodies divided into three parts - head, thorax, and abdomen. They go through life stages of egg, larva, pupae, and adult. Insects can eat using mandibles, tube-like mouthparts, or sponge-like mouthparts and move by flying, crawling, jumping, or swimming. While their communication is rudimentary, some argue insects coordinate behaviors through visual cues or behaviors like the bee dance.

1. Insects

2. InsectsCreeping, crawling, flying, digging, swimming… insects are the most numerous group of organisms on EarthInsects make up 73% of all life on Earth whereas Vertebrates like us only make up 4%

3. What is an Insect?Insects have a body divided into three parts – head, thorax, and abdomenInsects have three sets of legs attached to their thorax

4. Stages of LifeEggLarva

5. Stages of Life (continued)PupaeAdult

6. Methods of EatingInsects have three ways of eatingMandibles are used to saw and grind foodTube-like mouthparts act as a straw to suck up liquids like water and nectarSponge-like mouthparts secrete digestive enzymes, and lap up food

7. Methods of Eating (continued)Mandible Close-upLeaf-Cutter Ant

8. Methods of Eating (continued)Tube-like Close-upMonarch Butterfly

9. Methods of Eating (continued)Sponge-like Close-upHouse Fly

10. Methods of MovementInsects can get around in many waysInsects can fly, crawl, jump, even swimChances are that wherever you are you are most likely being tracked by an insect

11. Methods of Movement (continued)HoppingFloating

12. Methods of Movement (continued)FlyingCrawling

13. Methods of CommunicationInsects possess a very low-level method of communicationMany argue that they truly are communicating with one another, others argue that they merely are just lucky or it is a big coincidence that they do these behaviors

14. Methods of Communicating (continued)Bee DanceVisual Cues