What is the tough, outer skeleton of an insect called?

The hard outer shell of an insect is called an exoskeleton. This is the opposite of the endoskeleton that is found in chordates.

The hardness of an insect’s exoskeleton results from a type of carbohydrate called chitin, which is also found in the cell walls of fungi. According to NC State University, the exoskeleton serves several purposes, which are identified below.

• The primary purpose of an insect’s exoskeleton is protection. The insect’s organs are found...

The hard outer shell of an insect is called an exoskeleton. This is the opposite of the endoskeleton that is found in chordates.

The hardness of an insect’s exoskeleton results from a type of carbohydrate called chitin, which is also found in the cell walls of fungi. According to NC State University, the exoskeleton serves several purposes, which are identified below.

• The primary purpose of an insect’s exoskeleton is protection. The insect’s organs are found inside the exoskeleton. These organs are soft and need to protected from external pressures and pathogens.


• The muscles of an insect attach to the exoskeleton. Thus, the exoskeleton serves as the surface on which these muscles can pull and contract.


• The exoskeleton of an insect prevents desiccation.


• The exoskeleton of an insect serves as a “sensory interface with the environment”.