How do insect legs work, do they have something like muscle?

Question

How do insect legs work, do they have something like muscle?

In: 345

Answer 1

Not all insect legs work the same way.

Most insects have muscles, but they are on the inside of the exoskeleton.

some insects, and most spiders, use fluid pressure (hydraulics) to extend (straighten) their legs, and muscles to flex (bend) their legs.

And many insects have spring-loaded legs, so they use muscles to flex, and the springiness of their exoskeleton to extend their legs.