Insect Classification

Animals are classified into the animal kingdom. Each kingdom is then further divided into increasingly smaller groups based on similarities. The different levels of groups are named by the convention of taxonomists (scientists who study classifications). The standard groups in a typical complete classification of species are (the example is for a honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus). Students will observe and examine the animals noting differences. These differences will help the students group the animals and allow them to classify these arthropods. To be considered an insect an animal must have the following characteristics.

The adult insects have:

1. A body divided into three parts (head, thorax and abdomen)
2. Three pairs of legs
3. Usually one pair of antennae and a pair of compound eyes (a few exceptions to these characteristics are found)
4. Usually two pairs of wings (absent in many insects such as lice, fleas, ants; flies have one pair of wings)

Supplies for this activity:

• Worksheets
• Arthropod collections
• Science Journals
• Crayons / Color Pencils

☼ Journal Worksheets ☼ 

Cells - Compare and Contrast

Parts of a Cell

Cell Powerpoint Presentation

☼ Insect Photographs ☼

Insect Photos for Grouping

Insect Group Photo (from Sally Notebook Page)

Guide To Backyard Invertibrates