What were the three body parts of an insect called, again?
The HEAD, the THORAX (middle), and the ABDOMEN (back).

What else makes an animal an insect?
All insects have:

-3 body sections (head, thorax, abdomen)
-6 legs
-4 wings (if they have wings)

What if it has more than 6 legs?
If it has 8 legs it is an ARACHNID which includes all the spiders as well as scorpions and ticks. Arachnids also have only TWO body sections. If it has LOTS of legs it belongs to a groups called the MYRIAPODS (meaning "many legs") This group includes, millipedes and centipedes and they have many body sections.

What is the difference between a BUG and an INSECT?
There is a group of insects that are considered to be "true bugs." These include, the shield bug and the assassin bug. True bugs have a feeding tube instead of chewing jaws like many other insects have. Most people call all insects bugs. If you want to get fancy (and accurate), all bugs are insects, but not all insects are bugs.

What is the best way to get a bee stinger out?
Do not PULL it out. Doing that will only get more of the venom into your system and the sting will hurt more and longer. Instead, simply scrape the stinger gently away from your skin with a piece of paper or a stick trying to disturb the stinger as little as possible. Keep in mind that you will not always have a stinging in you after being stung, most stinging insects do not leave stingers behind.

Do insects make good classroom pets?
Yes, many do. Be sure you know what insect you are inviting into your classroom since some can be harmful or cause allergic reactions. Many insect can be found in school yards and be brought in for observation for a few days before being set free. Some companies such as Insect Lore (1-800-LIVE-BUG) have kits for raising lady bugs and butterflies.

Is it true that there are more insects in the world than people?
It sure is! There a lot more insects on Earth than there are humans. In fact there are more beetles on earth than there are people. (Beetles are the largest group of the insect world)

What would the world be like without insects?
It would be much different. For one thing most of the fruit we eat, (apples, pears, strawberries) would not exist. Those plants and trees rely on insects for pollination which creates the fruit. Many other animals depend on insects for food including bats, frogs, and different kinds of birds. Insects also help plants and trees grow by digging into the soil and getting oxygen to their roots. Insects also act as scavengers in the forest feeding on the dead plants to recycle materials. We may not always like insects, but we sure do NEED them.

Where can I get more information about insects?
Use the "Web Sites" link at this web site. There are links in the "Animals & Nature" section.

Where can I get more information about beekeeping?
There are several web sites with information about beekeeping. One is the Bee Eye Site at: http://cvs.anu.edu.au/andy/beye/beyehome.html

If teachers have any additional questions or comments, they can e-mail Science Bob at:sciencebob@sciencebob.com