What is the term for the last segment of an insect's legs, commonly referred to as the "feet"?

The term for the last segment of an insect's legs, commonly referred to as the "feet," is known as the tarsus. In insect anatomy, the leg is typically divided into several segments: the coxa, trochanter, femur, tibia, and tarsus. The tarsus is specifically the distal part of the leg, and it can be further divided into smaller segments called tarsomeres. This structure is crucial for locomotion and manipulation of the environment, as it often supports specialized adaptations for gripping surfaces or holding onto prey.

Understanding the role of each segment in an insect's leg is important for entomology, as it can influence their movement and behavior. The terms tibia, metatarsus, and femur refer to other segments of the leg, with the tibia being located above the tarsus and primarily involved in weight support and movement, the metatarsus relating to a segment in some interpretations, and the femur being the uppermost leg segment, contributing to flexibility and strength during movement.