INSECTS3 Basic Parts of an Insect The head- where the main receptor parts are located. You will typically find a pair of antennae, which are sensory organs that allow the insect to taste, feel, and smell. The eyes of an insect are known as “compound eyes,” meaning they are made up of a bunch of smaller eyes functioning in unison.3 Basic Parts of an Insect (cont.) The thorax- also known as the “mid-section.” This holds the wings of the insect (if the insect can fly); most insects have two pairs of wings and 3 sets of legs. The thorax contains the insect’s most powerful muscles, controlling the wings and the legs. The feet-tips of insects will usually contain sticky pads, hooks or suckers of some type which allow the inset to cling to various types of surfaces or to clasp on to it's prey.3 Basic Parts of an Insect (cont.) The abdomen- this section of the body contains the insect’s digestive system, reproductive organs, and sting organs (if applicable). When the insect feeds, the abdomen expands, meaning it is reactive. This part of the body is the last and probably most recognizable part of the insect, being the largest. Every insect has an exoskeleton, which is an external skeleton.The BodyMouthparts of an Insect Different insects have different mouthparts. Some insects eat by sucking, others by chewing. For example, mosquitos feed by piercing and sucking, while grasshoppers feed by biting and chewing.Biting and Chewing Chewing insects have two mandibles, one on either side of their head. The use these to cut, crush, tear, and chew the food that they are eating.Piercing and Sucking Some insects that feed by sucking are herbivorous, meaning they suck the juice from plants. An example of a herbivorous insect is an aphid. Some are insectivorous, meaning they suck the blood from other insects, animals, and even humans. Mosquitos are insectivorous, because they suck the blood of mammals and other insects.Exoskeleton An insect has an exoskeleton, which is a hard outer “shell” that protects insects and some animals from harsh elements. Some insects molt and leave their exoskeleton behind when they outgrow it, because they then grow a new one. An example of an insect that does this is a cicada.Cockroach Cockroaches are insects of the order Blattaria of which about 30 species out 4500 total are associated with human habitation .Characteristics of Cockroach For hiding, Its body is of dark chocolate color. It hides in dark places like drains , crevices and under furniture. For protection from chemicals, injuries and water, it has chitinous exoskeleton . It can eat anything found in the drains or garbage bins. Therefore, it is called omnivorous. It has well developed compound eyes and sensory cells on long antenna to enable the animal move in the dark. It can live for 8 days if its head is cut off. It can live for 20 days with only water. It can live in a freezer for 3 days.Characteristic of Cockroaches Female cockroaches can lay forever with just one copulation. When it is in a dangerous situation, it can do a maximum of around 150 kilometers per hour. It cannot feel painful. Its IQ is increased to a maximum 340 when it feels danger.Video of Cockroach Anatomy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUWkIJlKs90{nameOfApplication=Show}