Arachnid is a group of arthropods with segmented bodies, tough exoskeletons and jointed appendages. Examples include spiders, scorpions, mites and ticks.
Adult human bones typically consist of two regions: the cephalothorax (anterior) and abdomen (posterior). Adults possess four pairs of legs.
Arachnids are insects
When you spot a small animal with legs scurrying towards you, your first reaction might be “is that an insect?” Or even “is that a spider?” But upon closer examination of those multi-legged creatures, you will realize they are actually arthropods–which includes spiders, mites, ticks, scorpions and harvestmen–not insects like we usually think!
Arachnids are primarily terrestrial (living on land), with segmented bodies and exoskeletons similar to vertebrates. Additionally, they possess multiple joints as well as the ability to grow by molting.
Chelicerae are specialized mouthparts used for feeding and defense. Chelicerae are similar to modified pincers and may be employed by spiders to capture prey or scorpions to sting.
Arachnids are primarily predators, killing their prey by injecting digestive fluids into the animal’s body before sucking up any liquefied remains. These creatures are prevalent throughout nature and can found around the world.
Arachnids are spiders
When we think of arachnid, spiders often come to mind. But there are many other creatures classified as arachnids as well – such as scorpions, ticks and mites.
Arachnids are a diverse group of arthropods that contains approximately 60,000 species (with the number likely much higher). Spiders dominate this classification with over 50,000 described species; mites and ticks come in at 48,200 each.
Arachnids are typically predators that hunt for food using their eight legs and extra pair of pincers or fangs. Some species, like scorpions, also possess stinging tails and venomous pincers.
They usually execute their prey by injecting digestive juices that dissolve flesh and enable them to consume it. After this, the food sucked into a sclerotised pharynx behind their mouth, followed by the oesophagus and stomach.
Arachnids divided into eleven orders, with most species found on land. Common examples include scorpions, mites, ticks, harvestmen and spiders.
Arachnids are mites
Arachnids are a group of joint-legged invertebrates, such as spiders, scorpions, mites and ticks. While most live on land, some also survive in freshwater and marine environments.
Arachnids differ from insects in that they lack wings or antennae. They usually possess four pairs of legs and two main body parts, along with exoskeletons and digestive chemicals which melt their prey.
Some arachnids can be parasitic or spread diseases, but most are carnivorous and use specialized glands that release venom to kill their prey. Not only do these pests provide food for insects, but they can also wreak havoc in gardens as they chew up plant cells.
Arachnids can divide into two major orders, Acariformes and Parasitiformes. While there are some similarities between them, genetic analysis has demonstrated that they are genetically distinct. Furthermore, arachnids encompass a vast array of animals from micro hydrachnidiae that live in fresh water to harvestmen found deep underground.
Arachnids are ticks
Arachnids, also known as spiders, mites and ticks, are a class of arthropods found worldwide. Commonly referred to as “insects” or “arthropods,” these organisms can find in virtually every habitat on Earth.
Arachnid bodies consist of two main parts: the cephalothorax (head and thorax) and abdomen. The cephalothorax serves as a hard external skeleton, while the abdomen houses all of their organs – including prosoma which holds on chelicerae (pincers) and pedipalps (mouth parts).
Like insects, most arachnids are carnivorous animals that feed on other organisms. They may crush their prey or inject it with venom that either kills or paralyzes it.
They typically have long legs, and many possess an organ for making silk. Furthermore, they possess various sensory and genital openings.
Arachnids divided into eleven orders, each with its own distinctive traits. These include scorpions; mites and ticks; harvestmen or daddy longlegs; pseudoscorpions, whipscorpions and solpugids.
Arachnids are harvestmen
Arachnids, such as spiders, scorpions, mites and ticks, are important invertebrate groups. They possess distinctive traits that set them apart from other insects.
Arachnids are cold-blooded creatures, breathing through ‘Tracheae’ (windpipes) or ‘Book-Lungs’ and possess an open circulatory system. Most Arachnids have muted colors to blend in with their environment.
Arachnid has two sections, the Cephalothorax (front section) and Opisthosoma (hind section). Each segment also has four pairs of legs as well as chelicerae (pincers), which are use for grasping and dispatching prey items.
Some arachnids possess unique defensive strategies. For instance, some harvestmen engage in bobbing, which vibrates their bodies rapidly to distract predators. Furthermore, some release a chemical compound from their scent glands for added protection.
Harvestmen differ from their spider cousins in that they do not produce venom. Instead, they possess mouthparts which enable them to capture and devour prey items, carving it up into bite-sized pieces that fit inside their mouthhole. This specialized skill enables them to consume a wide range of prey items like insects, other arachnids or lady beetle eggs with ease. Furthermore, harvestmen have an unusual digestive process which allows them to extract essential nutrients and proteins from food sources.
Arachnids are pseudoscorpions
Arachnids are a group of animals with four pairs or eight legs, segmented bodies and exoskeletons. They can find in soil, sand or water and tend to be carnivorous. Arachnid also spin silk which they commonly find decaying leaves or bark, under stones and in caves.
The family of arachnids includes several distinct species, such as spiders, mites, ticks, harvestmen and pseudoscorpions. While some arachnids are venomous and can be hazardous to humans, others not so much.
Pseudoscorpions, also referred to as “false scorpions,” are small arachnids that look similar to small scorpions but lack the stinging pedipalps and tail. Their features include two pairs of chelate pedipalps, two-segmented chelicerae, four pairs of legs, and an ovate abdomen.
Psyclorions, like other arachnids, tend to be carnivorous and can consume a variety of things. They use digestive chemicals to digest their prey which makes them pests in some areas and may cause destruction to homes or crops. Unlike spiders, pseudoscorpions lack wings but instead hitch rides on insects and grab onto them with pincer-like claws.
Arachnids are solpugids
Arachnid is an extensive and diverse group of animals that can found almost everywhere on Earth. Common species include spiders, mites, and ticks.
Most arachnids are carnivores and feed primarily on other arthropods; however, some species may also target small vertebrates like birds or snakes. Arachnids possess the unique ability to exhale air into their bodies through organs known as ‘book lungs’, giving them the capacity to breathe.
Solpugids possess a special set of sensory organs on their fourth pair of legs, known as racket organs or malleoli, that enable them to detect vibrations. These ‘rackets’ are specialized for detecting substrate textures – an adaptation that makes them well adapted to living in desert environments.
Solpugids are nocturnal predators that emerge from burrows in the ground to feed on insects, other arachnids, small birds and mammals. Most species are solitary hunters but some form loose groups that forage together outdoors.
Recommended readings:
- What is a Parasite?
- Symptoms of Lyme Disease
- What Causes Scabies?
- The Larval Stage of Arthropods
- What is Humidity and How Does it Affect Your Health?
