Are sowbugs classified under the Insecta class?

Sowbugs are not classified under the class Insecta; instead, they belong to the class Malacostraca within the phylum Arthropoda. This class also includes other crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. While sowbugs may have some insect-like features, such as a segmented body and jointed limbs, their anatomical and physiological characteristics align more closely with crustaceans rather than true insects.

Insects are characterized by having three main body segments (head, thorax, abdomen), six legs, and often wings, none of which apply to sowbugs. This classification is important in biological taxonomy as it helps to understand the evolutionary relationships among different species. Understanding these classifications can assist individuals in identifying and categorizing various organisms accurately.