<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful AI assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
How many different species of insects are estimated to exist on Earth?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
According to current estimates, there are approximately 1.5 million species of beetles, 5.5 million species of insects, and 7 million species of terrestrial arthropods.

https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-ento-020117-043348<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
What is the difference between an insect, a beetle, and a terrestrial arthropod?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
An insect, a beetle, and a terrestrial arthropod are all different types of animals with distinct characteristics.

An insect is a type of invertebrate animal that is characterized by having three body segments, six legs, and often wings. They have a hard exoskeleton and can be found in a variety of habitats around the world, including on land and in water. Examples of insects include bees, ants, butterflies, and grasshoppers.

A beetle is a type of insect that is characterized by having two pairs of wings, with the front pair being hardened into protective covers called elytra. Beetles also have chewing mouthparts and a segmented body with three main sections: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Examples of beetles include ladybugs, fireflies, and stag beetles.

A terrestrial arthropod is a broad term that refers to any type of invertebrate animal that lives on land, and which has a segmented body and jointed appendages. This includes a wide variety of animals, including insects, spiders, millipedes, centipedes, and crustaceans such as woodlice. Terrestrial arthropods can have a wide range of different body shapes and sizes, and they play important roles in many different ecosystems around the world.

In summary, insects and beetles are both types of terrestrial arthropods, but beetles are a specific type of insect with certain distinguishing features such as hardened wings. Terrestrial arthropods are a more general category that includes both insects and many other types of invertebrate animals that live on land.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Wow, that's a lot. Please give me an overview on how insect species are categorized.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
Insect species are categorized based on a system of biological classification, which involves grouping organisms according to their characteristics and evolutionary relationships. This system is called taxonomy and is used to classify all living things on Earth.

Insects are classified into different groups based on their physical characteristics, behavior, and genetic makeup. The basic categories for insects are:
1. Phylum: Insects belong to the phylum Arthropoda, which includes other animals like spiders, scorpions, and crustaceans.
2. Class: Insects belong to the class Insecta, which is made up of all insects.
3. Order: Insects are further divided into 30 different orders based on characteristics such as the number of wings, the shape of the mouthparts, and the structure of the antennae.
4. Family: Orders are then divided into families based on more specific physical characteristics and behaviors.
5. Genus: Families are then divided into genera, which are groups of closely related species that share similar characteristics.
6. Species: The final level of classification is the species level, where each individual species is identified and named based on its unique characteristics and genetic makeup.<|im_end|>