Insects are some of the most interesting and diverse creatures on Earth. They come in all shapes and sizes, and there are many things people do not know about them.

1. The scientific name for the class of insects is "Insecta"

There are a lot of different types of insects. They make up the largest group of invertebrates on Earth. These creatures have an exoskeleton (a hard shell on the outer layer) and three pairs of jointed legs; there's definitely some variety in their appearance!

2. Insects have existed for about 350 million years

Insects have been on Earth for a long time – around 350 million years. Some of the earliest ones looked very different from what we know today. They were mostly small and plant-eating -the variety of shapes and sizes started to evolve about 200 million years ago. Their numbers continued to explode in the last 50 million years.

3. The word "insect" comes from the Latin language, which means "to cut into."

When insects are ready to molt (shed their exoskeleton), they will use a sharp tool on their mouth called a mandible to literally hack their old skin off. This leaves them vulnerable until their new skin hardens, so it's an incredibly risky process!

4. Insects play a vital role in the food chain

Many insects are the sole food source for large numbers of animals, making their role in the ecosystem very important. It is possible that a decline in insect population could lead to a collapse within this complex web-like community, with devastating effects on other species too! Without insects, many animals cannot survive. Insects also play a crucial role in pollinating plants and the decomposition of organic matter.

5. There are more than 2 million known species of insects

Insects are the most diverse group of animals on earth, with over a million known species. Insects are found everywhere because of their incredible adaptability and ability to survive in almost any environment. Did you know that some insects can survive being frozen for months or that some can walk on water? There are even insects that can glow in the dark!

6. The average person eats over 1,000 insects in their lifetime!

Before you feel too bad about the thought of accidentally eating an insect, they are actually considered food in most parts of the world. It is estimated that over 2 billion people eat insects as part of their diets, including many cultures where they are considered delicacies.

While it is true that some insects have been found to carry diseases, the majority do not transmit any disease-causing organisms or parasites to humans when consumed. Even so, most health experts agree that it is best to cook them before eating.

7. Insects are used to produce products like silk and honey.

Silk is produced by the larvae of silkworms, while bees make honey. Both products' production has been industrialized to meet high demand worldwide. While there are some boutique silk and honey producers, the vast majority of silk and honey is produced by large-scale manufacturers.