What does a snail, a spider and an isopod all have in common? They are all invertebrates!

An invertebrate is an animal that does not have a backbone or spine inside its body. Many of the minibeasts you find in gardens and parks, including ants, centipedes and woodlice, are invertebrates.

Even without a backbone, invertebrates have amazing ways to stay safe. Some, like snails, protect themselves with a hard shell that they carry everywhere they go.

Others have a strong outer covering called an exoskeleton. The word "exo" means outside, so an exoskeleton is an outside skeleton that protects an animal's body. Spiders, ants and isopods all have exoskeletons, helping to keep them safe while they crawl, climb and explore.