Sun spiders range from about 0.4 to 2 in. in length and are generally uniform in color. They are usually yellow, brown or black, though a few species have patterns. The solpugids are hairy and have spider-like features. They have two closely placed median eyes and eight legs. … [Read more...]
Arachnids
The arachnids (class Arachnida) are an arthropod group that includes spiders, daddy longlegs, scorpions, mites, and ticks as well as lesser-known subgroups.
There are more than 40,000 species of arachnids in the world.
Arachnids include:
- spiders
- scorpions
- ticks
- mites
While they may seem scary to some people, arachnids play an important role in the ecosystem. They help control the populations of other organisms by preying on them. In this blog post, we will discuss what arachnids are, their characteristics, and some interesting facts about them!
Arachnids are a type of invertebrate animal. Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone or spinal column. This includes animals such as insects, crabs, and worms.
Arachnids are classified into three main groups: the Acari (which includes mites and ticks), scorpiones (scorpions), and the Araneae (which include spiders).
Arachnids are found all over the world.
Arachnids have four pairs of legs. They also have two main body parts: the cephalothorax and the abdomen. The cephalothorax is fused with the head, and it houses the arachnid's eyes, mouthparts, and legs. The abdomen is where the arachnid's reproductive organs are located. Arachnids do not have wings, but some can fly by using special structures on their bodies that act as parachutes.
Arachnids are predators. They typically hunt small insects, but some larger species of arachnids can prey on vertebrates such as lizards and rodents.
Did you know?
Nearly all spiders are venomous which they can use to kill or subdue their prey. They inject the venom through hollow fangs.
Arachnids are not dangerous to humans unless they are provoked. However, if you attempt to kill or capture an arachnid, it may defend itself by biting or stinging you.
While the venom of most arachnids is not harmful to humans, there are a few species that can cause serious health problems.
These include the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider.
If you are bitten by one of these spiders, seek medical attention immediately.
Funnel Web Spider
Funnel Web Spiders are some of the worlds most deadly spiders and are found in coastal and mountain regions of eastern and southern Australia. Funnel Web Spiders are found in two genera of the family 'Hadronyche' (which is not associated with any known human fatalities) and Atrax … [Read more...]
New World Tarantula Spider
New World Tarantulas mainly found in the Americas, have bites that generally pose little threat to humans (other than causing localized pain). The primary means of defence for these spiders are urticating hairs, which can cause irritation and other typical symptoms in … [Read more...]
Hobo Spider
Hobo Spider The Hobo Spider (Tegenaria agrestis) is a member of the genus of spiders known as funnel web spiders. The Hobo Spider is one of a small number of spiders in North America whose bites are generally considered to be medically significant.Hobo Spider … [Read more...]
Wolf Spider
Wolf Spiders are members of the family Lycosidae. They are so named because their method of hunting is to run down their prey like that of a wolf. Wolf spiders are robust, fast and agile hunters that rely on good eyesight to hunt, typically at night. Wolf spiders resemble nursery … [Read more...]
Huntsman Spider
The Huntsman Spider is a common name given to the family 'Sparassidae'. The larger specimens of these spiders are called 'Wood Spiders' in most parts of Australia, due to their common preference for inhabiting woody places. Huntsman Spiders are a diverse and relatively harmless … [Read more...]
Katipo Spider
Katipo Spider The Katipo or Red Katipo Spider (Latrodectus katipo) is a vulnerable, venomous spider native to New Zealand. The Katipo Spider is a widow spider and is related to the black katipo, the Australian red-back spider and the black widow spiders. The Katipo spider is … [Read more...]
Mouse Spider
Mouse Spiders are spiders of the genus Missulena. There are 11 known species in this genus, all but one of which are widespread across mainland Australia. Mouse Spiders can be found in both coastal and drier habitats, however, they do not occur in tropical rainforests. One … [Read more...]
Orb Weaver Spiders
Orb Weaver Spiders This family of spiders is a very large one and includes over 2800 species in over 160 genera worldwide, making it the third largest family of spiders known behind the jumping spider family (Salticidae) and the second largest family of spiders called Linyphiidae … [Read more...]
Black House Spider
The Black House Spider (Badumna insignis) is a common species of Australian spider. Black House Spiders live in most areas of Australia and they prefer urban habitat. Black House Spiders are sometimes referred to as 'Window Spiders'. These spiders belong to the family Desidae … [Read more...]