What Group Do Spiders Belong To?
WouterSpiders belong to the phylum arthropods. They are a subgroup of the class Arachnida, an ancient group of animals that include mites, scorpions and ticks.
The majority of spiders are carnivores. Their diet is mostly insects, although a few species also prey on birds and plant material. There are hundreds of different spider species, each with its own unique characteristics. Many of them live in colonies that can number in the thousands. Some of these colonies are made up of individuals that work together to catch and trap prey.
Spiders have an unusual set of respiratory organs. Their tracheae are deep channels that allow the diffusion of oxygen and the transfer of oxygen to the bloodstream. This system allows them to live in drier, less humid environments.
Most spiders have eight simple eyes and four pairs of legs. These are all found on the cephalothorax, which is the head and thorax of a spider.
Some species have no eyes and others have short, leg-like palps between the jaws and the legs. Male spiders transfer sperm to the female through these organs. Female spiders can also produce silken sacs to hold eggs.
Spiders are important in the regulation of insect populations. Colonies can number in the thousands, each working to capture and trap prey. Spiders can be found in almost any environment. Despite their predatory nature, there are many spiders that are harmless. Linyphiidae spiders make flat platforms or bowl-shaped webs.
