Body Segment: The Abdomen

Compared to the head and thorax, the external structure of the abdomen is pretty simple. The abdomen is associated with reproduction as it has both internal and external reproductive structures. Internally, the abdomen also houses part of the digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems. The respiratory system of insects is very unique and quite different from […]

Insect Body Structure & Function

As discussed on the previous page, the anatomy of insects includes 3 main body segments: the (head, thorax and Abdomen), all of which are covered by a chemically complex exoskeleton. The exoskeleton has portions that are hard and a waxy outer layer that is very important because it stops water loss from the body and thus keeps insects from […]

What is an Insect?

Insects are the most diverse group of animals on our planet. Several hundred thousand types of insects have been described—more than 3 times as the rest of the animals combined! They live in almost all areas including terrestrial (on land and in the air, including in the soil, on treetops, in caves, and just about […]

The MSP project is funded by an ESEA, Title II Part B Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant through the Montana Office of Public Instruction. MSP was developed by the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program and faculty from Montana Tech of The University of Montana and Montana State University, with support from other Montana University System Faculty.