Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which are the three main body parts of an insect?

1. Head, thorax, abdomen

2. Head, wings, legs

3. Thorax, abdomen, antennae

4. Head, legs, tail

The correct answer is: Head, thorax, abdomen

The three main body parts of an insect are the head, thorax, and abdomen. The head contains vital sensory organs, including the compound eyes and antennae, and is where the mouthparts are located, allowing for feeding. The thorax is responsible for movement and locomotion, as it is equipped with three pairs of legs and, in many insects, one or two pairs of wings. This segmentation is essential for the insect’s mobility and adaptability. The abdomen is primarily involved in the digestive and reproductive systems, housing important organs for these functions. The other options focus on different aspects or appendages of an insect rather than the main body segments. Wings and legs, for example, are part of the thoracic structure, while antennae are sensory organs located on the head. Recognizing the primary divisions of an insect's anatomy is fundamental in entomology and helps in understanding insect biology and behavior.