Insect Characteristics

There are 725,000 insect species recorded in 1954. This is three times more that all other animals combined. The recent number of insect species known today is close to a million. Insects have lived on earth for about 350 million years compared to a less that 2 million years for man. They evolved and developed unusual morphological features, habit or behavior and unique characteristics to survive in any type of habitat.

Here are some insect characteristics that made them a successful group of arthropods:

1. Insects have hard and impervious body cover which is called the exoskeleton.

2. Insects possess wings that help them avoid predatory enemies, unfavorable conditions, and in finding food and mate.

3. Insects have high rate of reproduction. They have short developmental period and have high fecundity, meaning, several eggs are being laid by the mother.

4. Insects have a small size. This made them capable to complete development and reproduction with small amount of food.

5. Insects have varied developmental stages and habits.

6. Insects have a great capability of adaptation which allowed them to survive for a very long period of time.

7. Insects have highly varied habits and behavior.

These characteristics have made the insects of today survive millions of years ago.