Which trio of body regions constitutes the larval body?

• A. Head, Thorax, Abdomen
• B. Head, Thorax, Wings
• C. Thorax, Abdomen, Tail
• D. Head, Abdomen, Pelvis

Answer: (A)

Insects’ larval bodies are described by three main regions: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. The head houses the mouthparts and sensory organs used for feeding and environmental sensing; the thorax provides the central area for movement, even though legs may be reduced in larvae; and the abdomen contains the bulk of the digestive system and other organs needed for growth. Wings appear only in the adult stage, not in larvae, so they aren’t part of the larval body. Terms like tail or pelvis aren’t standard larval regions. Therefore, the trio that makes up the larval body is head, thorax, and abdomen.