Arachnids

SEO Title: Arachnids: Classification, Characteristics, Examples and Differences from Insects

Category: Zoology | Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity

UPSC Notes

Arachnids are arthropods belonging to the class Arachnida and include spiders, scorpions, ticks and mites.

Key Pointers

  • Phylum: Arthropoda.

  • Class: Arachnida.

  • Generally possess:

    • Four pairs of walking legs in adults

    • No antennae

    • No wings

  • Body generally divided into:

    • Cephalothorax

    • Abdomen

  • Examples:

    • Spiders

    • Scorpions

    • Ticks

    • Mites

  • Differ from insects, which generally have:

    • Three pairs of legs

    • One pair of antennae

    • Three main body regions

Prelims Focus: Arachnida → 4 pairs of legs → no antennae → spiders/scorpions/ticks/mites.