This week with the Corkscrew Education Team, we’ve had bugs on our minds.
We’re gearing up for our next stretch of field trips: the second grade Insect
Adventure begins next week. Students get to learn all about insects and other
creepy, crawly critters while they explore Corkscrew.
It made me consider how many adults are uncomfortable around insects, or even afraid of them. Very few people recognize how important insects are to their local ecosystem. Luckily, this is changing. Many campaigns to increase pollinator awareness have spread appreciation for bees, butterflies, beetles, and other creatures.
But what are insects, anyway? And what are arthropods? Let’s dive into a little taxonomy. Taxonomy is the way scientists organize living creatures. The graphic below shows different levels at which scientists group organisms. Arthropoda is a phylum, and Insecta is a class within the Arthropod phylum. Arthropods have segmented bodies, exoskeletons, and at least 3 pairs of legs. It’s the largest phylum in the animal kingdom. In addition to insects, notable arthropods include crustaceans, spiders, and centipedes.
Insects have 5 basic physical characteristics.
- Three pairs of legs
- Two pairs of wings
- A pair of antennae
- A hard exoskeletion
- Three main body parts: Head, thorax, and abdomen.
There are over 12,500 species of insects in
Florida. There are almost a million species
worldwide. Some are detrimental or
dangerous to humans, but all play an
important role in their local ecosystems.
Many species of insects help humans.
They’re decomposing dead animals and
plants; pollinating our food; providing
natural pest control; and inspiring scientists
and researchers who work in biomimicry.
Additionally, they’re helping to keep balance
in delicate ecosystems.
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