On which segment of an insect's body are the legs and often the wings attached?

The legs and often the wings of an insect are attached to the thorax. This segment is specifically designed for locomotion and is muscular, allowing for the movement of legs and, in many cases, the active movement of wings. The thorax is typically divided into three parts: the prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax, with the respective legs and wings corresponding to each section. The structure and function of the thorax are integral to the insect's ability to fly and walk, which reflects its evolutionary adaptations for mobility.

In contrast, the abdomen primarily contains the digestive and reproductive organs, and while it may contribute to the overall balance and movement, it does not support the legs or wings. The head is focused on sensory and feeding functions, while the prothorax, being just the front segment of the thorax, does not encompass the entirety of the leg and wing attachments that are more broadly characteristic of the thorax overall.