Explore are bugs considered animals and understand their place in the animal kingdom with this insightful article.
The question “Are insects animals?” brings in the memory of a really interesting conversation about the biological classification and beauty of life forms on our planet Earth. So, I propose a look into the definitions of animals and classification of insects to better understand this tiny creation in the enormity of the animal group.
What is an Animal?
To better understand whether insects are animals, we need to define first what is an animal. In simple biological terms, an animal is a multicellular eukaryotic organism and is part of the kingdom Animalia. This kingdom has the following cardinal characteristics:
- Multicellularity: Animals are made of several cells joined together, forming tissues and organs.
- Eukaryotic Cells: Their cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes.
- Heterotrophy: Animals feed on other organisms to acquire their energy.
- Movement: Most of the animals are able to move, at least sometime during their life cycle.
- Reproduction: The reproductive mode of animals is generally sexual, though it may be asexual in some.
What is an Insect?
The term “bug” is colloquially used to define many small crawling or flying creatures, most of which are insects. However, scientifically “bug” refers to an order in classification, i.e. members of order Hemiptera like aphids, cicadas, and shield bugs. Where I write “bugs” further, it shall cover most of the invertebrates, specifically popularly called insects.
Insecta
Insects are placed within the class Insecta, which is among the phylum Arthropoda. They are characterized by:
- Three-part Body Structure: Head, thorax, and abdomen.
- Exoskeleton: A hard outer shell made of chitin.
- Six Legs: Attached to the thorax.
- Antennae: Sensory organs of the head.
- Compound Eyes: Eyes made up of thousands of tiny visual units.
are bugs considered animals – Other Common Bugs –
Besides insects, a number of other itty-bitty beasties are commonly referred to as bugs. These are arachnids, such as spiders; myriapods, such as centipedes; and annelids, such as worms. Each of these animals is quite different from the insects in their details of anatomy and physiology; however all are members of the larger group called invertebrates.
Bugs in the Animal Kingdom
Now that we have defined animals and bugs, let’s consider where bugs fit into the hierarchy of the animal kingdom.
The Animal Kingdom Hierarchy
The animal kingdom can be broken down into several hierarchical levels:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Major groups are grouped on general body plans (for example, Arthropoda, Chordata)
- Class: Subdivisions of the phyla (for example, Insecta for bugs)
- Order: Further divisions within classes (for example, Hemiptera for True bugs)
- Family: Genera grouped together based on relatedness (for example, Aphididae for Aphids)
- Genus: Species grouped together based on relatedness (for example, Aphis)
- Species: Organisms grouped on together that are capable of mating and reproducing fertile offspring (for example, Aphis nerii, the Oleander Aphid)
Invertebrates: The Unifying Factor
Invertebrates are Animals that do not have a backbone. This is a startlingly diverse group that encompasses the insects but also the arachnids, mollusks, crustaceans, and many other types. Insects, thus, are a kind of invertebrate, and since invertebrate are a member of the kingdom Animalia, it follows that insects– and therefore, bugs — really are animals.
The Ecological Importance of Bugs
Recognizing that bugs are animals brings appreciation for their ecological roles. Bugs are involved in countless ecological processes, some but a few which include:
- Pollination: Many insects, the best-known being bees and to a lesser extent, butterflies, are important pollinators for plants.
- Decomposition: Beetles and ants, for example, decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients right back into the system.
- Pest Control: Ladybugs and dragonflies are other examples of the pest-controlling creatures.
- Food Webs: Bugs restore the balance in the food chain of birds, amphibians, and mammals.
Conclusion
Thus, are bugs animals? The answer can only be that yes, they are all animals. Insects, arachnids, or any other invertebrates for that record—bugs belong to the kingdom Animalia. So really, have an appreciation of the greater natural kingdom and the roles so many of these small creatures play in our ecosystems, and their classification. Investigate the complex interrelations that bugs have with other animals and realize a deeper interconnectedness among organisms around the Earth. As a budding entomologist, nature lover, or simply a person interested in the world around you, it will leave you in a world full of exploration and amazement that bugs are animals.
