An insect has three pairs of legs and a body divided into three parts. These parts are called the head, thorax and abdomen.

Each part of the insect's body has special features. On the head are a pair of feelers called antennae. In crawling insects like beetles the antennae are used to feel the ground in front of the insect to check that it is safe. In flying insects like the moth the antennae are used to detect smells.

Most insects have a pair of eyes on their head. These eyes are not like ours. They are made of hundreds of small eyes stuck together in a dome shape. The insect builds up its view from the pictures it receives from each of its small eyes. This is similar to the way you build up the view in a jigsaw when you join the pieces together.

The middle part of the body is called the thorax. On the underside of the thorax are three pairs of legs. On the upper surface of the thorax there may be one or two pairs of wings. Flies and midges have one pair of wings. Bees, butterflies and dragonflies have two. The thorax is full of muscles to work the wings.

The hind end of the body is called the abdomen. It contains most of the insect's digestive system and all of its reproductive organs - and sometimes a sting (in its tail).