skordýra

Skordýra is the Icelandic term for insects, a diverse group of six‑legged arthropods within the phylum Arthropoda and the class Insecta. Insects are characterized by a segmented body with three main parts (head, thorax, abdomen), six legs, one pair of antennae, and usually one or two pairs of wings. They have an exoskeleton made of chitin and exhibit various forms of metamorphosis, either holometabolous (egg, larva, pupa, adult) or hemimetabolous (egg, multiple nymphal stages, adult).

Insects represent the largest group of animals by described species and occupy nearly every terrestrial and many freshwater habitats. They perform essential ecological functions, including pollination, herbivory, decomposition, predation, and serving as a key food source for other organisms. Their life cycles and behaviors have led to a wide range of adaptations, from camouflage and mimicry to social organization in eusocial species such as bees, ants, and termites.

Humans interact with skordýra in multiple ways. Many insects are agricultural pests that damage crops or stored foods, while others are beneficial pollinators that support crop yields. Several species act as vectors for diseases or as biological control agents in integrated pest management. In general, insects contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem services, but their populations can be sensitive to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Conservation and sustainable land use help protect their ecological roles and the health of ecosystems.