External Structure

Abstract

The extreme variety of external form seen in the Insecta is the most obvious manifestation of this group’s adaptability. To the taxonomist who thrives on morphological differences, this variety is manna from Heaven; to the morphologist who likes to refer everything back to a basic type or ground plan, it can beanightmare! Paralleling thisvariety is, unfortunately, a massive terminology,eventhe basics of which an elementary student may find difficult toabsorb. Some consolation maybe derivedfrom the fact that “form reflects function.” In other words, seemingly minor differences in structure may reflect important differences in functional capabilities. It is impossible to deal in a text of this kind with all of the variation in form that exists, and onlythe basic structure of an insect andits most important modifications will be described.