Insects are the largest group of animals on Earth, with over a million described species. They are found in almost every habitat on the planet, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains. Insects play an important role in the ecosystem, as pollinators, decomposers, and predators.
Insects have a number of distinguishing features, including:
A chitinous exoskeleton that provides support and protection.
Three pairs of jointed legs.
One or two pairs of wings.
A three-part body: head, thorax, and abdomen.
Compound eyes that are made up of many individual lenses.
One pair of antennae that are used for sensing their environment.