Insects and Arachnids
WouterInvertebrates are animals without a backbone. This group includes worms, spiders, crabs, snails, and bees. Generally, invertebrates live at the bottom of the food chain. This allows them to provide nutrients to animals higher up in the chain.
Invertebrates are the most diverse group of animals. They range in size from microscopic to very large. Scientists estimate that 97% of all animal species are invertebrates. Insects are one of the most common groups of invertebrates. In fact, there are over 1.25 million described invertebrates by National Geographic alone.
Most spiders are predators. They eat other arthropods, such as flies. Some spiders eat plants as well. These spiders are often called harvestmen. They also build nests to protect their eggs.
Some arachnids, including scorpions and mites, also have venom. Most arachnids feed on pre-digested bodies of insects. Some mites are parasites that carry disease.
Invertebrates are important for a healthy ecosystem. They provide biological control and help keep pest populations under control. They also protect the food supply. Some species are even able to capture small fishes.
There are many different species of spiders. Some are social predators, defending their colonies against thieves. They may use elaborate mating rituals. Others are just harmless creatures.
Arachnids are divided into two groups: myriapods and araneae. Myriapods have three parts. Their head is composed of several parts, such as the chelicerae, mouth, and thorax. These arthropods are part of the phylum Arthropoda. In addition, arachnids have a minusculoscis, a tube that allows them to suck liquids from their prey.
