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Most insects have three pairs of walking legs -- one pair on each thoracic segment. Each leg contains five structural components (segments) that articulate with one another by means of hinge joints:
The term pretarsus refers to the terminal segment of the tarsus and any other structures attached to it, including:
ungues -- a pair of claws
arolium -- a lobe or adhesive pad between the claws
empodium -- a large bristle (or lobe) between the claws
pulvilli -- a pair of adhesive pads
Leg Adapations and Modifications:
| Characteristic | Appearance | Example(s) |
|---|
|
Cursorial -- adapted for running |
 |
Ground beetles
and
Cockroaches |
|
Raptorial -- adapted for catching and holding prey |
 |
Praying mantids |
|
Natatorial -- adapted for swimming |
 |
Diving bugs
and
Water beetles |
|
Fossorial -- adapted for digging in soil |
 |
Mole crickets |
|
Saltatorial -- adapted for jumping |
 |
Grasshoppers |
| 