Hexapods facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hexapods Temporal range: Devonian — Recent
A fly
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Hexapoda Latreille, 1825
Classes & Orders
Class Insecta (insects) Class Entognatha

Hexapods are a huge group of animals that get their name from the Greek words "hexa" (meaning six) and "poda" (meaning legs). This means they all have six legs! They are the largest group of arthropods, which are animals with an exoskeleton (a hard outer shell) and jointed legs, like crabs and spiders.

Most hexapods are insects, which you probably see every day, like butterflies, bees, and beetles. But there are also three smaller groups of hexapods that don't have wings: springtails (Collembola), Protura, and Diplura. All these creatures were once thought to be insects.

Hexapods are special because their bodies are divided into three main parts: a head, a thorax, and an abdomen. The six legs are always attached to the thorax. Most other arthropods have more than three pairs of legs, which makes hexapods easy to spot!

What are Hexapods?

Hexapods are a subphylum, which is a big group of animals within a larger group (the phylum Arthropoda). They are known for their unique feature: having exactly six legs. These legs are always found on the middle part of their body, called the thorax.

Main Groups of Hexapods

The Hexapoda group is mostly made up of insects, but it also includes some less common creatures.

• Insects: This is the biggest and most well-known group. It includes all the flying insects like butterflies, bees, and flies, as well as many wingless ones like ants and fleas. Insects are super diverse and live almost everywhere on Earth!
• Entognatha: This smaller group includes springtails, proturans, and diplurans. Unlike insects, their mouthparts are hidden inside their head. They are usually very tiny and live in places like soil or damp leaf litter.
  • Springtails (Collembola): These tiny creatures are often found in soil and are known for their ability to jump using a special fork-like organ under their belly.
  • Proturans (Protura): These are even tinier and live in soil. They don't have antennae or eyes.
  • Diplurans (Diplura): These small, pale creatures have two long tails at the end of their bodies. They live in damp places.

Where Do Hexapods Live?

Hexapods live in almost every environment on Earth! You can find them in:

• Land: Most insects live on land, from deserts to forests, mountains to grasslands.
• Freshwater: Many insects, like dragonfly nymphs and mosquito larvae, spend part of their lives in ponds, rivers, and lakes.
• Air: Flying insects like birds and bats are amazing fliers and can travel long distances.
• Underground: Many hexapods, especially springtails and proturans, live in the soil, helping to break down dead plants and animals.

Why are Hexapods Important?

Hexapods play a huge role in our world.

• Pollination: Many insects, especially bees and butterflies, help plants make seeds by carrying pollen from one flower to another. This is super important for growing fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
• Food Source: Hexapods are a vital food source for many other animals, including birds, fish, reptiles, and even some mammals.
• Decomposers: Some hexapods, like beetles and flies, help break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil. This keeps ecosystems healthy.
• Pest Control: Some insects eat other insects that are considered pests, helping farmers protect their crops naturally.

Life Cycle of Hexapods

Many hexapods, especially insects, go through amazing changes during their lives. This is called metamorphosis.

• Complete Metamorphosis: This is like a full transformation! It has four stages:
  • Egg: The life cycle starts when an adult lays an egg.
  • Larva: The egg hatches into a larva, which often looks like a worm or grub. Larvae spend their time eating and growing.
  • Pupa: The larva then changes into a pupa. During this stage, the insect is often still and protected, like a butterfly in a chrysalis. Inside, its body is completely reorganizing.
  • Adult: Finally, the adult emerges from the pupa. The adult's main job is to reproduce.
• Incomplete Metamorphosis: This is a simpler change with three stages:
  • Egg: The life cycle begins with an egg.
  • Nymph: The egg hatches into a nymph, which looks like a smaller version of the adult, but without wings. Nymphs grow by shedding their skin several times.
  • Adult: After several molts, the nymph becomes an adult, with wings and the ability to reproduce.

Fossil Record

The oldest known hexapod fossils date back to the Devonian period, which was about 419 to 359 million years ago. This shows that hexapods have been around for a very long time and have evolved into the incredibly diverse group we see today.

See also

In Spanish: Hexapoda para niños