Do Spiders Belong to Hexapoda?

Spiders and Hexapoda are two types of arthropods. Arthropods are segmented and usually highly specialized predators. They live in all terrestrial habitats.

The spider is a member of the Arachnida class, which includes spiders, scorpions, mites, ticks, and other insects. The arachnids are divided into five subphyla.

Subphyla of the arachnids are grouped into a few superorders. Superorder Acariformes include “tick-like” mites and the micro-whipscorpions. Another superorder is Pseudoscorpi. Other orders are Parasitiformes, which are “tick-like” mites.

Most spiders are carnivorous. Some species are sucky and feed on liquefied prey. Others have good vision. Many species build webs. In some species, the web plays a role in social attraction.

Spiders and Hexapoda share some common characteristics. Their bristles are sensitive to vibration and touch. While spiders can build webs, they are not capable of flying. They do, however, have the ability to tether themselves for safety.

There are approximately one million species of hexapods. Insects are the largest hexapods. These animals have six legs in three pairs.

Crustaceans, shrimps, crabs, and lobsters also belong to this phylum. Recent studies have suggested that crustaceans and hexapods are more closely related than previously thought.

There are tens of thousands of species of sea spiders. Sea spiders are not true spiders, but they are marine arthropods.

Sea spiders have small bodies and long legs. Although they are not considered true spiders, they are classified under the Pycnogonida subphylum. Currently, there are more than 1300 species of sea spiders.