Insect

Insects are a huge group of small animals with a hard outer skeleton, three body parts and six legs. They are the most numerous and diverse animals on Earth.

Features

Most insects have antennae and many have wings. Common examples include ants, bees, butterflies, beetles and mosquitoes.

Importance

Insects play vital roles in nature — bees pollinate crops, while others recycle waste. Some spread disease or damage crops, but overall they are essential to ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions

What makes an animal an insect?

Six legs, three body parts and usually a pair of antennae.

Why are insects important?

They pollinate plants and support food chains and ecosystems.