How Are Spiders and Insects Different?
Insects and spiders have some similarities, but there are also many differences. The most important difference is the body structure. The chitinous cuticle gives the body a definite shape.
Insects and spiders are part of a larger group of animals called the Arthropoda. They share a common ancestry. However, they have different bodies and different senses.
Insects are a subgroup of the Order Hemiptera. This order includes beetles, cicadas, and stink bugs. These insects have hard and soft tissue wings. Insects also use antennae to detect disturbances in their surroundings. The antennae of some insects are very long.
Insects have six legs. Some species have two antennae, but most have only one. Insects are classified into three groups. They are classified in the Class Insecta. The head, thorax, and abdomen are the main parts of an insect.
A spider’s main body part is the cephalothorax. Its facial features are attached to this part. The rest of the body is composed of the chelicerae and pedipalps. The chelicerae is located near the mouth. The pedipalps are used to break up food. The pedipalps also transfer reproductive material to the female.
Spiders are also carnivores, but their diet consists of mostly insects. They can spend a very long time guarding a web. They may lose limbs in a fight. The ability to inject venom is an added advantage. Their venom is very fast acting.
Insects, on the other hand, can chew and swallow. They can chew, eat, and use their antennae to sense the environment. They can also spin silk. Their webs have a lot of tensile strength.