The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word THORAXES
T
H
O
R
A
X
E
S
More clues leading to the result THORAXES
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "parts of/insects" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case parts of/insects = thoraxes.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does THORAXES mean?
THORAXES noun- The region of the mammalian body between the neck and abdomen as well as the cavity containing the heart and lungs.
- The middle of three distinct divisions in an insect, crustacean or arachnid body to which the legs are attached.