Getting a Buzz from Insects

Insects form the largest class of living organisms on our planet, making up 75 percent of all species. Although more than one million species have been described world-wide, Queensland still has many undescribed insects. Queensland Museum researchers are finding new species each year.

They can be found in many different habitats from high mountains to dark caves, ponds and rivers. The beauty of a shimmering butterfly wing enchants us, while the sting of a wasp reminds us of the deadly nature of some insects.

The diverse niches occupied by insects are reflected in the differences in their appearance but all insects have common body parts which classify them into the Class Insecta. There are three main body parts, each having a specific role.

The head is used for feeding and sensing the environment and has one pair of compound eyes and up to three simple eyes, one pair of antennae and one pair of mouthparts which may be piercing, chewing or sucking types depending on the insect.

The thorax is made up of three segments, each having one pair of legs. In most adult insects the last two segments of the thorax may each support one pair of wings. The thorax is filled with muscles which power the insect's legs and wings.

The abdomen is the largest and softest of the three body parts. It houses the vital organs for digestion and reproduction; it can swell up to store food and, in females, the growing eggs before they are laid.