insect

Everyday

An insect is a small animal with six legs and a body in three parts (head, thorax, abdomen); most insects have wings and antennae. Ants, bees, butterflies, beetles and flies are insects. tree →

In the lessons

In science, insects are invertebrates (no backbone) with an exoskeleton; many go through metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). They pollinate flowers, feed birds and recycle dead things. In safety, some insects sting (bees, wasps) or bite (mosquitoes); tell an adult if a sting makes you swell or find breathing hard. Spiders are NOT insects: they have eight legs.

Examples

• A ladybird is a small insect. tree →
• Insects have six legs. tree →
• Bees are useful insects that pollinate flowers. tree →
• We looked for insects under the log. tree →
• The insect has two antennae. tree →
• A caterpillar changes into a butterfly. tree →
• Use insect repellent when camping. tree →
• Count the legs: if there are eight, it is not an insect. tree →
• "Away with you, vile insect!" said a Lion angrily to a Gnat that was buzzing around his head. tree →

Note

Countable; «an insect» (vowel sound). Common trap: spiders, scorpions, woodlice and worms are not insects. «Bug» is used for any insect in everyday speech, though scientists use «bug» for one group. In maths problems, each insect has 6 legs: 5 insects have 5 × 6 = 30 legs.