INTRODUCTION

The superclass Hexapoda consists of three wingless primitive classes, Collembola, Protura, and Diplura, along with the Insecta, including many winged and unwinged orders.

The unique feature of hexapods is that their body segments form three distinct body parts, the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. The thorax is the base to three pairs of legs and provides musculature for locomotion. Other arthropods have many more legs and body segments.

While crustaceans dominate the marine environment, hexapods are the most abundant terrestrial arthropods, and indeed the most abundant animals on Earth today.