Body Parts of Insects for Kids

If you have a child that loves to explore nature, you will likely be called upon to answer questions about insects. Just as human beings have many notable body parts, insects have several key sections, too. The various types of insects, such as bees, ants and grasshoppers, look different, but all insects have the same main body parts. Concrete examples and comparisons will help children understand these major body parts.

  1. Head

    • The head holds the eyes and the antennae, which help insects feel out their environment so they can find food and keep away from predators. All insects have two antennae, notes the San Diego Zoo Kids website. The head also holds the mouth parts of the insect, which provide insects with a way to eat and drink. According to the University of Kentucky, some insects have chewing mouth parts while others have sucking or rasping mouth parts. Make this applicable to your child by explaining that insects have eyes and a mouth on their head just like people do.

    Thorax

    • The thorax of an insect is the middle section of the bug, and it's where the legs are attached. Also on the thorax are the spiracles, which are the part insects breathe through. All insects have a pronotum on the thorax, too. The pronotum is where the front two legs are attached to the insect. Talk to your child about the fact that his legs are attached to his body and serve many of the same functions that insects legs do, such as walking or climbing.

    Abdomen

    • An insect's abdomen is the back part of the bug and, like the abdomen of humans, holds the digestive system. The abdomen also has tiny holes on each segment, called abdominal spiracles, and the insect breathes through them. The abdomen also holds the reproductive system and, on some insects, the stinger. Ask your child about the differences between her abdomen and an insect's. Discuss that they both have an abdomen, but that hers is in the middle of her body instead of on the back.

    Legs and Wings

    • All insects have six legs, and this is one of the primary identification characteristics of a bug. Not all insects have wings, however, but, if they do, the wings are attached to the thorax. Discuss the similarities and differences between your child and an insect. For example, your child might make note of the fact that insects have four more legs than he does and that he can't fly because humans don't have wings.

    Exoskeleton

    • Insects don't have a skeleton inside their body like most other animals do but, instead, have an exoskeleton. The exoskeleton is like a skeleton on the outside of the body and covers the entire surface of the insect in a series of plate-like pieces that connect at the joints of the legs and wings. The exoskeleton is made of a material called chitin, which is kind of like plastic, according to InsectIdentification.org. Encourage your child to examine insects she finds outside so she can see what the exoskeleton looks like.

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