Why Are Spiders Not Insects?
WouterInsects are a group of invertebrates. They are classified into several classes. Those that belong to the class Arachnida include spiders.
Spiders are an arachnid, meaning they are a specialized type of arthropod. Unlike insects, spiders don’t have wings. However, spiders do have an exoskeleton. The spider’s chelicerae (or “fangs”) are hollow and contain venomous glands. The venom works by liquefying the inside of the prey.
Like most insects, spiders are carnivores. Some of their diets include plants. While some species are venomous to humans, most are not.
Spiders are predatory and some even create decoys to lure their prey closer. They use vibrations and light patterns to navigate, and they can even taste stimuli. Their bodies are very complex, with a great deal of neurons.
Besides being predators, spiders also manufacture silk. The silk is manufactured in glands located in the abdomen. This silk is used to form webs. Spiders can spin these webs up to 25 feet long.
Many spiders also produce sticky silk. These silks are used by some species to catch their prey. When a spider bites a human, it can be fatal.
While spiders and insects share a few characteristics, they are actually very different animals. Both are invertebrates, and some of their differences can be confusing. It’s best to learn as much as you can about each one.
Some insects, such as cicadas, houseflies, and planthoppers, have soft tissue wings. Other insects, such as beetles, have hard tissue wings.
