Abstract
In this chapter, we present a brief introduction to the biology of insects, the arthropod class Insecta. We describe diversity of insects and how their bodies are structured. We also provide information about key biological features, starting with the insect exoskeleton, its structure and function. Furthermore, the insect gut and its functions are explained as well as insect growth and development. We end by describing considerations and methods for insect collecting and sampling in the field to initiate and sustain insect rearing.
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Acknowledgements
Stijn Schreven (Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, The Netherlands) permitted us to use his drawing of the gut of the House cricket as Fig. 5.
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Eilenberg, J., van Loon, J.J.A. (2018). Insects: Key Biological Features. In: Halloran, A., Flore, R., Vantomme, P., Roos, N. (eds) Edible Insects in Sustainable Food Systems . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74011-9_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74011-9_1
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