Representing the vast majority of animal life on our planet, the many groups of animals that lack a backbone make up a collection of organisms with a staggering amount of diversity. Some have hard exoskeletons, while others have soft bodies. While some have shells, others are covered in hair-like setae. Some have wings, while others have strong claws and mandibles. What is more is that often all of these different lifestyles can be present in a very small area. The world of the invertebrates stirs one's curiosity beyond most others. The animals shown here are just a sample of this world.