Insects have a protective external skeleton, known as the insect exoskeleton, that provides support and protection to the body of all arthropods.This external protective layer is a defining feature of the arthropod phylum, just like the endoskeleton is the defining feature of vertebrates. In some crustaceans, this exoskeleton is referred to as a ‘shell’.The insect’s exoskeleton, also known as integument, functions not only as a protective layer for the outer body of many insects but as a surface for the attachment of muscles, a sensory interface with the outer environment, and a water-resistant barrier, preventing desiccation. The thickness of the exoskeleton varies from animal to animal. However, it exists as a multi-layer structure containing five primary regions, namely the epidermis, epicuticle, procuticle (rigid and softer), and basement membrane.The epidermis is a secretory tissue that is composed of a single layer of epithelial cells. Its function is to produce parts of the basement membrane along with that of the overlying layers of the cuticle. On the other hand, the basement membrane is a supporting bilayer of basal lamina (amorphous mucopolysaccharides) and a reticular layer (collagen fibers). It functions as a support for the epidermal cells and helps in separating the integument from the hemocoel, which is the insect’s main body cavity.Insects, crustaceans, spiders, and even flies have exoskeletons. Hair on vertebrates is also an example of exoskeleton elements. Interestingly, there are some animals that possess both an exoskeleton and an endoskeleton. For example, pangolins have strong outer armor formed by rigid plates in addition to an inner skeleton.If you like reading about insect exoskeletons, you must read further to learn about them in detail. The answer to the question of which insect has the toughest exoskeleton lies below! There is a lot of information on insect exoskeletons below, and many curious questions have been answered for you. Get ready to read about how insect exoskeletons work, and the insect that attacks trees and leaves its exoskeleton.You can also check out our fascinating articles about spider facts, and slugs vs snails here at Kidadl.What insect has the toughest exoskeleton?The insect that has the toughest exoskeleton is the diabolical ironclad beetle (Phloeodes diabolicus). This species of beetle is found mainly in the US and Mexico, where it supports its life by living under the bark of trees or below hard rocks.These animals with the hardest skin covering have developed crush-resistant forewings, also called the elytra, which help them protect their lives from hungry birds. They also possess a series of interlocked jigsaw-shaped joints within their skeleton and muscle structure that enable them to withstand forces of up to 39,000 times their own weight. These evolved structures enhance their strength and hardness significantly.How do insect exoskeletons work?An exoskeleton is a form of hardened skin, and the thickness can vary based on species. Quinone cross-linkages are the only places where the exoskeleton is thin and soft. An exoskeleton comprises flexible leg joints that allow the creature to move. However, this protective layer does not expand with the rest of the body size once it has been formed.It remains the same size as it was when it was formed, even when the creature grows in size. Therefore, the insect outgrows it, and at this point, molting takes place. Molting, alternatively called ecdysis, is the process in which arthropods shed their overly tight and rigid outer covers in order to grow a new one. Molting lets them move about with their flexible muscles and joints.Exoskeletons are the hard parts of the cuticle and therefore become very helpful in the preservation of an organism through the process of fossilization.The procuticle is present just above the epidermis. It possesses microfibers of chitin, usually hardened with calcium carbonate, engulfed by a matrix of protein, that varies in its composition in different insects, and also in its indifference to places within the body of a single insect. When the procuticle is formed, it is separated into thin lamellae with chitin microfibers and is adjusted at different angles in every following layer. However, in certain internal body parts of an insect, the procuticle stratifies into a soft inner endocuticle and a hard outer exocuticle.The epicuticle is the outermost layer of the cuticle. It serves the function of reducing water loss and blocking the entry of foreign materials. The cuticulin layer, which is a stratum comprising chains of fatty acids submerged in a protein-polyphenol complex and lipoproteins, is the inner-most layer of the epicuticle. Furthermore, a monolayer of wax molecules is present above the cuticulin layer, which functions as the main barrier for the movement of water into or outside the invertebrate’s system. Also, in certain insects, a cement layer envelops the wax and shields it from abrasion.What is the insect that attacks trees and leaves the exoskeleton?The insect that attacks trees and leaves its exoskeleton is the immature cicada nymph.These arthropods live under the ground, where they suck up sap from the roots of shrubs and trees. As soon as they reach maturity, they dig down to the surface with their claw-like front feet and perform molting to transform into winged adults. While molting, they leave behind the exoskeleton of their system.What is another name for exoskeleton?Exoskeletons are also called shells, cases, casings, and coverings for protection.These exoskeletons are made of chitin, which is a polysaccharide. They add to the rigidity of the insect cuticle. In certain insects, this chitin present in the cuticle is further hardened with the addition of calcium carbonate.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for insect exoskeleton: curious animal body facts uncovered for kids! then why not take a look at hermit crab out of shell: here’s what you need to know!, or harbor of Rio de Janeiro: natural wonder facts revealed for kids.
Insects have a protective external skeleton, known as the insect exoskeleton, that provides support and protection to the body of all arthropods.
