Four main regions can usually be distinguished in an insect leg. The coxa is the basal segment which joins the leg to the thorax. Then comes the femur which is usually the longest segment, followed by the tibia which can be longer but is usually more slender than the femur. Finally the tarsus or foot which has 1-5 segments and bears one or two claws at the tip. The bees, particularly the honeybee, are probably one of the most well-studied insects by microscopists because of the bee's economic importance.
Many beekeepers are expert microscopists because bees are susceptible to parasites and infections.
Beekeepers can deduce a great deal of the well-being of the bee and beehive colony by examining the bee both externally and internally. All the materials and equipment required to prepare permanent slides are discussed. I hope I've managed to pass on some of my enthusiasm for the wonderful close-up world of nature around us. Even if you never buy a microscope, do treat yourself to a 10X hand-lens and carry it when you're on a country walk or just wandering around the garden. There's so much of interest to see at any time of the year both on the macro- and microscopic scale.