hexapoda

Hexapoda is a large group of insects characterized by having six legs, which is their defining feature. They include a diverse range of creatures such as beetles, butterflies, ants, and flies. Hexapods have a three-part body (head, thorax, abdomen), compound eyes, and often wings. They are the most numerous group of animals on Earth, playing vital roles in ecosystems, like pollination, decomposition, and food chains. Their evolutionary success is due to their adaptability, small size, and ability to occupy many different environments. Hexapoda is a key class within the broader group Arthropoda, which also includes spiders and crustaceans.