How many legs do insects have?

Insects are classified within the phylum Arthropoda and are specifically recognized as hexapods, which means "six legs." Each insect possesses three pairs of legs, making a total of six. This characteristic is a defining feature of insects, distinguishing them from other arthropods such as arachnids, which typically have eight legs, or other groups with different limb counts. The anatomical structure of the legs in insects allows for various adaptations, aiding in locomotion, climbing, and even swimming in some species. Thus, the answer of six legs significantly aligns with the biological classification and understanding of insect anatomy.