2. (Zo["o]l.) In a more restricted sense, the Hexapoda alone.
See {Hexapoda}.
3. (Zo["o]l.) In the most general sense, the Hexapoda,
Myriapoda, and Arachnoidea, combined.
Note: The typical Insecta, or hexapod insects, are divided
into several orders, viz.: {Hymenoptera}, as the bees
and ants; {Diptera}, as the common flies and gnats;
{Aphaniptera}, or fleas; {Lepidoptera}, or moths and
butterflies; {Neuroptera}, as the ant-lions and
hellgamite; {Coleoptera}, or beetles; {Hemiptera}, as
bugs, lice, aphids; {Orthoptera}, as grasshoppers and
cockroaches; {Pseudoneuroptera}, as the dragon flies
and termites; {Euplexoptera}, or earwings; {Thysanura},
as the springtails, podura, and lepisma. See these
words in the Vocabulary.
Note: They have a tubular proboscis, or haustellum, formed by
the two slender maxill[ae]. The labial palpi are
usually large, and the proboscis, when not in use, can
be coiled up spirally between them. The mandibles are
rudimentary. The larv[ae], called caterpillars, are
often brightly colored, and they commonly feed on
leaves. The adults feed chiefly on the honey of
flowers.