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How are Insects Different?

show/hide words to know

  • Entomologist: name for scientist who studies insects.
  • Proboscis: a long mouth part found in most insects and some other animals used to suck up food.

How are insects different


Time lapse image of cicada finishing metamorphosis. Video by Dennis McDaniel

There are many types of insects that can be different in many ways. Some insects have different body parts like a proboscis that is used for feeding or stingers that are used for protection. There are insects that can fly and others that can swim.

One way in which insects can be different is by the  type of life cycles they have. Some insects will undergo an incomplete metamorphosis and will change from a nymph to an adult while there are other insects that will go through a complete metamorphosis that has many stages and will become  a newly formed insect emerging from a pupa. It is no surprise that entomologists enjoy studying the fascinating world of insects.

proboscuis of insects

insect eggs

Almost all insects begin their lives as eggs.

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