Arachnids | Arachnida

Arachnids | Arachnida

Description
Description

Arachnids, classified under the class Arachnida, are a diverse group of joint-legged invertebrates that include spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites. Distinguished by having eight legs and no antennae, arachnids are found in almost every habitat on Earth, from deserts to rainforests, showcasing a remarkable adaptive evolution over millions of years. Originating over 430 million years ago, they have since evolved into more than 100,000 known species. Arachnids play a critical role in ecosystems as predators, controlling pest populations, and as vectors for some diseases, influencing the health of both ecosystems and human populations.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Arachnids are fascinating creatures with a unique anatomy. They possess eight legs, setting them apart from insects, which have six. Their bodies are divided into two main segments: the cephalothorax, which fuses the head and thorax, and the abdomen. Many arachnids, like spiders, have silk-producing glands and fangs or pincers for hunting. They lack antennae but have multiple eyes, varying in number and arrangement across species. Movement is coordinated and agile, allowing for precise hunting and navigation. While they don't produce sounds for communication like humans, some vibrate their bodies or produce chemical signals to interact with their environment and each other. Their sensory world is rich, often dominated by touch and chemical perception.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Throughout history, humans and arachnids have shared a complex relationship marked by fascination and fear. In many cultures, spiders symbolize creativity and patience, often revered in folklore and mythology. Popular culture amplifies this intrigue, with characters like Spider-Man drawing inspiration from arachnid abilities. Conversely, arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, is widespread.

Despite mixed feelings, humans recognize arachnids' ecological role in controlling pest populations. Conservation efforts focus on protecting endangered species and habitats, recognizing that arachnids are essential to biodiversity. Education and research continue to shift perceptions, highlighting the importance of these often-misunderstood creatures in our world.

Common Questions
Common Questions
How many legs do arachnids have?

Arachnids have 8 legs, 2 main body segments, no wings or antennae, and are not able to chew. In some species arachnids can grow extra appendages that can look like extra legs. They often get confused with insects, but insects only have 6 legs.

What do arachnids eat?

Most species of arachnids can only eat food in a liquid form and not in solids. They do so by squirting digestive chemicals into their prey and then sucking out the body juices. Arachnids typically eat insects and other invertebrates. Mites are the only arachnids who consume a wider variety of food like fungus, plants, dead animals, bacteria, and other invertebrates.

How are arachnids different from insects?

Arachnids have 8 legs while insects have 6. Arachnid bodies are divided into 2 parts, the cephalothorax and abdomen and insect bodies are divided into 3, the head, thorax, and abdomen. Arachnids do not have an antennae nor wings, while all insects have antennae and some also have wings. Insects belong to the Insect class and arachnids to the Arachnida class.

Animals

* Under Development *

.55”-.67” | 1.4-1.7 cm
.51”-.63” | 1.3-1.6 cm
3.1”-3.9” | 7.9-9.9 cm
.02-.17 oz | .5-5 g
3-8 years
Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion
1.700
1.600
9.900
0.005
8.00
900
GUIDE
3D
Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion
.16”-.22” | .4-.55 cm
.39”-.51” | 1-1.3 cm
2.56”-3.15” | 6.5-8 cm
2 oz | 57 g
5-7 years
Arizona Bark Scorpion
0.550
1.300
8.000
0.057
7.00
10800
GUIDE
3D
Arizona Bark Scorpion
.14”-.24” | 3.5-6 mm (Male); .18”-.28” | 4.5-7 mm (Female)
.12”-.2” | 3-5 mm (Male); .16”-.24” | 4-6 mm (Female)
.95”-1.54” | 24-39 mm (Male); 1.22”-1.85” | 31-47 mm (Female)
1-2 years
Black House Spider
0.700
0.600
4.700
2.00
41600
GUIDE
3D
Black House Spider
.08”-.2” | 2-5 mm
.98”-2.56” | 25-65 mm
.39”-.91” | 10-23 mm
1-3 years
Bold Jumping Spider
0.500
6.500
2.300
3.00
28000
GUIDE
3D
Bold Jumping Spider
.03”-.04” | .7-1 mm
.04”-.07” | 1.1-1.7 mm
.17”-.24” | 4.2-6.2 mm
3-18 months
Brown Dog Tick
0.100
0.170
0.620
1.50
24000
GUIDE
3D
Brown Dog Tick
.09”-.16” | 2.2-4 mm
.08”-.16” | 2-4 mm
.83”-1.46” | 21-37 mm
2-4 years
Brown Recluse Spider
0.400
0.400
3.700
4.00
139000
GUIDE
3D
Brown Recluse Spider
.12”-.18” | 3-4.5 mm (Male); .28”-.37” | 7-9.5 mm (Female)
.12”-.16” | 3-4 mm (Male); .22”-.3” | 5.5-7.5 mm (Female)
.98”-1.38” | 25-35 mm (Male); 2.05”-2.72” | 52-69 mm (Female)
1-3 years
Brown Widow
0.950
0.750
6.900
3.00
61300
GUIDE
3D
Brown Widow
.43”-.67” | 11-17 mm
.35”-.55” | 9-14 mm
5.51”-8.07” | 14-20.5 cm
1-1.5 years
Camel Spider
1.700
1.400
20.500
1.50
247060
GUIDE
3D
Camel Spider
.013”-.016” | .34-.4 mm
.018-.02” | .45-.5 mm
.055”-.063” | 1.4-1.6 mm
2-3 weeks
Clover Mite
0.040
0.050
0.160
0.06
9400
GUIDE
3D
Clover Mite
.06”-.12” | 1.5-3 mm (Male); .14”-.22” | 3.5-5.5 mm (Female)
.05”-.1” | 1.2-2.5 mm (Male); .12”-2” | 3-5 mm (Female)
.33”-.67” | 8.5-17 mm (Male); .79”-1.3” | 20-33 mm (Female)
1-2 years
Common House Spider
0.550
0.500
3.300
2.00
30000
GUIDE
3D
Common House Spider
.28”-.43” | .7-1.1 cm
.43”-.71” | 1.1-1.8 cm
2.75”-4.33” | 7-11 cm
.035-.09 oz | 1-2.5 g
4-12 years
Deathstalker
1.100
1.800
11.000
0.003
12.00
17200
GUIDE
3D
Deathstalker
Deer Tick
129000
.01”-.024” | .2-.6 mm
.02”-.06” | .5-1.5 mm
.08”-.24” | 2-6 mm
2-3 years
Deer Tick
0.060
0.150
0.600
3.00
129000
GUIDE
3D
Deer Tick
.75”-1.02” | 1.9-2.6 cm
1.02”-1.46” | 2.6-3.7 cm
5.9”-7.9” | 15-20 cm
1-2 oz | 28-57 g
5-8 years
Emperor Scorpion
2.600
3.700
20.000
0.057
8.00
24400
GUIDE
3D
Emperor Scorpion
.07”-.17” | 1.8-4.3 mm
.08”-.18” | 2-4.5 mm
2.64”-6.18” | 6.7-15.7 cm
1 year
European Harvestman
0.430
0.450
15.700
1.00
4250
GUIDE
3D
European Harvestman
.39”-.67” | 1-1.7 cm
.75”-1.25” | 1.9-3.2 cm
3.94”-7.1” | 10-18 cm
.14-.25 oz | 4-7 g
7-10 years (wild); 15-20 years (captivity)
Giant Hairy Scorpion
1.700
3.200
18.000
0.007
20.00
4000
GUIDE
3D
Giant Hairy Scorpion
.35”-.55” | .9-1.4 cm
.47”-.71” | 1.2-1.8 cm
1.57”-2.36” | 4-6 cm (Body)
.035-.07 oz | 1-2 g
4-7 years
Giant Whip Scorpion
1.400
1.800
6.000
0.002
7.00
1800
GUIDE
3D
Giant Whip Scorpion
1.57”-2.24” | 4-5.7 cm
1.57”-2.24” | 4-5.7 cm
8.07”-11.42” | 20.5-29 cm
5-6.2 oz | .14-.18 kg
3-6 years (Male); 10-20 years (Female)
Goliath Birdeater
5.700
5.700
29.000
0.180
20.00
120000
GUIDE
3D
Goliath Birdeater
.12”-.14” | 3-3.5 mm (Male); .13”-.24” | 3.2-6 mm (Female)
.11”-.13” | 2.8-3.3 mm (Male); .12”-.22” | 3-5.5 mm (Female)
1.02”-1.18” | 26-30 mm (Male); 1.1”-2.05” | 28-52 mm (Female)
1 year
Green Lynx Spider
0.600
0.550
5.200
1.00
6950
GUIDE
3D
Green Lynx Spider
.03”-.04” | .8-1.1 mm
.07”-.09” | 1.7-2.3 mm
.22”-.31” | 5.5-8 mm
.66-2 years
Lone Star Tick
0.110
0.230
0.800
2.00
57500
GUIDE
3D
Lone Star Tick
1.8”-2.4” | 4.5-6 cm
5.1”-7.1” | 13-18 cm
11.8”-15.75” | 30-40 cm
2.2-10 lb | 1-4.5 kg
12-20 years
Mangrove Horseshoe Crab
6.000
18.000
40.000
4.500
20.00
230
GUIDE
3D
Mangrove Horseshoe Crab
.055”-.07” | 1.4-1.8 mm
.06”-.08” | 1.5-2 mm
.28”-.35” | 7-9 mm
1 year
Peacock Spider
0.180
0.200
0.900
1.00
43000
GUIDE
3D
Peacock Spider
.11”-.13” | 2.7-3.4 mm (Male); .17”-.22” | 4.2-5.6 mm (Female)
.14”-.19” | 3.6-4.7 mm (Male); .22”-.26” | 5.7-6.7 mm (Female)
1.57”-1.97” | 40-50 mm (Male); 2.48”-3.27” | 63-83 mm (Female)
1-2 years
Rabid Wolf Spider
0.560
0.670
8.300
2.00
13900
GUIDE
3D
Rabid Wolf Spider
.006”-.008” | .15-.2 mm
.008”-.01” | .2-.3 mm
.04”-.05” | 1-1.3 mm
2-4 weeks
Red Spider Mite
0.020
0.030
0.130
0.08
12000
GUIDE
3D
Red Spider Mite
.07”-.09” | 1.8-2.4 mm (Male); .19”-.24” | 4.7-6 mm (Female)
.06”-.09” | 1.6-2.2 mm (Male); .17”-.21” | 4.3-5.4 mm (Female)
.43”-.55” | 11-14 mm (Male); 1.1”-1.34” | 28-34 mm (Female)
1-3 years
Redback Spider
0.600
0.540
3.400
3.00
61300
GUIDE
3D
Redback Spider
.2”-.3” | .5-.75 cm
.28”-.39” | .7-1 cm
1.97”-2.75” | 5-7 cm
2 oz | 57 g
3-8 years
Striped Bark Scorpion
0.750
1.000
7.000
0.057
8.00
3800
GUIDE
3D
Striped Bark Scorpion
.26”-.53” | .65-1.35 cm
.47”-.98” | 1.2-2.5 cm
1”-2” | 2.5-5 cm (Body)
.009-.035 oz | .25-1 g
5-10 years
Tailless Whip Scorpion
1.350
2.500
5.000
0.001
10.00
26100
GUIDE
3D
Tailless Whip Scorpion
.22”-.33” | 5.5-8.3 mm (Male); .17”-.26” | 4.3-6.6 mm (Female)
.18”-.28” | 4.5-7 mm (Male); .14”-.22” | 3.5-5.5 mm (Female)
.94”-1.46” | 24-37 mm (Male); .75”-1.1” | 19-28 mm (Female)
1-2 years
Water Spider | Diving Bell Spider
0.830
0.700
3.700
2.00
28800
GUIDE
3D
Water Spider | Diving Bell Spider
.13”-.17” | 3.2-4.3 mm (Male); .25”-.33” | 6.3-8.4 mm (Female)
.13”-.18” | 3.4-4.5 mm (Male); .26”-.35” | 6.7-9 mm (Female)
.75”-1.02” | 19-26 mm (Male); 1.5”-1.97” | 38-50 mm (Female)
2-3 years
Western Black Widow
0.840
0.900
5.000
3.00
10000
GUIDE
3D
Western Black Widow
.06”-.1” | 1.5-2.6 mm (Male); .22”-.32” | 5.7-8.2 mm (Female)
.1”-.18” | 2.5-4.5 mm (Male); .39”-.55” | 10-14 mm (Female)
.55”-.94” | 14-24 mm (Male); 2”-2.91” | 51-74 mm (Female)
1-2 years
Yellow Garden Spider
0.820
1.400
7.400
2.00
34400
GUIDE
3D
Yellow Garden Spider
.05”-.08” | 1.2-2 mm
.06”-.1” | 1.5-2.5 mm
.2”-.35” | 5-9 mm
1-2 years (wild); 2-3 years (captivity)
Zebra Spider
0.200
0.250
0.900
3.00
10800
GUIDE
3D
Zebra Spider
Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
Comparison drawing of the Lone Star Tick compared to other arachnids

Every conversation on fearsome ticks and the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) will feature because of its painful bite that can make one develop an alpha-gal meat allergy. This generalist feeder is also called Turkey Tick or Northeastern Water Tick and fits in the family Ixodidae, taking on separate hosts in each stage of its life. They are found in the eastern USA and Mexico and derive its name from the silvery-white star-shaped spot close to the nucleus of the female's dorsal. Adult males may have varying white spots surrounding the edges of their shields and all love to attach to prey by questing.

The Lone Star Tick has an overall length between .22”-.31” (5.5-8 mm). Lone Star Ticks have a body length of .12”-.16” (3-4 mm), body width of .07”-.09” (1.7-2.3 mm), and body height of .03”-.04” (.8-1.1 mm). The typical lifespan of the Lone Star Tick is between .66-2 years.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Lone Star Tick
Every conversation on fearsome ticks and the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) will feature because of its painful bite that can make one develop an alpha-gal meat allergy. This generalist feeder is also called Turkey Tick or Northeastern Water Tick and fits in the family Ixodidae.

The Lone Star Tick has an overall length between .22”-.31” (5.5-8 mm). Lone Star Ticks have a body length of .12”-.16” (3-4 mm), body width of .07”-.09” (1.7-2.3 mm), and body height of .03”-.04” (.8-1.1 mm). The typical lifespan of the Lone Star Tick is between .66-2 years.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Lone Star Tick
Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
Height:
.03”-.04” | .8-1.1 mm
Width:
.07”-.09” | 1.7-2.3 mm
Length:
.22”-.31” | 5.5-8 mm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Body Length: .12”-.16” | 3-4 mm

Scientific Name
Amblyomma americanum
Lifespan
.66-2 years

Drawings include:

Lone Star Tick top view, side

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Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia viridans)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Green Lynx Spider to other species of spiders

If you are looking for a spider for pest management, the Green Lynx Spider (Peuceta viridans) is your best choice. However, note that the spider is a threat to pollinating agents. A bright-green color and the ability to change color from green to pale yellow make it fit it's arboreal background. It is the largest spider in the family Oxyopidae whose venom is harmful to small prey but not to humans. The Green Lynx Spider is native to North America and is nicknamed after its body color. It is separated from other spiders in the same family by distinctive hexagonal eye arrangements and several black spots and prominent spines on its legs.

Male and female Green Lynx Spiders vary in size. The female Green Lynx Spider has an overall legspan length between 1.1”-2.05” (28-52 mm), body length of .47”-.87” (12-22 mm), body width of .12”-.22” (3-5.5 mm), and body height of .13”-.24” (3.2-6 mm). The male Green Lynx Spider has an overall legspan length between 1.02”-1.18” (26-30 mm), body length of .43”-.51” (11-13 mm), body width of .11”-.13” (2.8-3.3 mm), and body height of .12”-.14” (3-3.5 mm). The common lifespan of the Green Lynx Spider is 1 year.

Scaled collection of drawings of Green Lynx Spider in various poses
If you are looking for a spider for pest management, the Green Lynx Spider (Peuceta viridans) is your best choice. However, note that the spider is a threat to pollinating agents. A bright-green color and the ability to change color from green to pale yellow make it fit it's arboreal background.

Male and female Green Lynx Spiders vary in size. The female Green Lynx Spider has an overall legspan length between 1.1”-2.05” (28-52 mm), body length of .47”-.87” (12-22 mm), body width of .12”-.22” (3-5.5 mm), and body height of .13”-.24” (3.2-6 mm). The male Green Lynx Spider has an overall legspan length between 1.02”-1.18” (26-30 mm), body length of .43”-.51” (11-13 mm), body width of .11”-.13” (2.8-3.3 mm), and body height of .12”-.14” (3-3.5 mm). The common lifespan of the Green Lynx Spider is 1 year.

Scaled collection of drawings of Green Lynx Spider in various poses
Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia viridans)
Height:
.12”-.14” | 3-3.5 mm (Male); .13”-.24” | 3.2-6 mm (Female)
Width:
.11”-.13” | 2.8-3.3 mm (Male); .12”-.22” | 3-5.5 mm (Female)
Length:
1.02”-1.18” | 26-30 mm (Male); 1.1”-2.05” | 28-52 mm (Female)
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Body Length: .43”-.51” | 11-13 mm (Male); .47”-.87” | 12-22 mm (Female)

Scientific Name
Peucetia viridans
Lifespan
1 year

Drawings include:

Green Lynx Spider top view, side

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Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Brown Recluse Spider to other species of spiders

Brown recluse spiders are a venomous spider located in North America. Brown recluse spiders only live by themselves as their name suggest, they are shy. Related to the Black Widow, if bitten by a brown recluse spider you’d need to be hospitalized. Only growing under an inch in diameter, this light brown spider can be seen with markings on their dorsal side. Brown recluse spiders only have 6 eyes compared to other spiders who have 8. They often look for dead insects because of their less eyes they cannot respond quick enough to hunt live food.

The Brown Recluse Spider has an overall legspan length between .83”-1.46” (21-37 mm). Brown Recluse Spiders have a typical body length of .28”-.47” (7-12 mm), body width of .08”-.16” (2-4 mm), and body height of .09”-.16” (2.2-4 mm). The common lifespan of the Brown Recluse Spider is between 2-4 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Brown Recluse Spider in various poses
Brown recluse spiders are a venomous spider located in North America. Brown recluse spiders only live by themselves as their name suggest, they are shy. Related to the Black Widow, if bitten by a brown recluse spider you’d need to be hospitalized.

The Brown Recluse Spider has an overall legspan length between .83”-1.46” (21-37 mm). Brown Recluse Spiders have a typical body length of .28”-.47” (7-12 mm), body width of .08”-.16” (2-4 mm), and body height of .09”-.16” (2.2-4 mm). The common lifespan of the Brown Recluse Spider is between 2-4 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Brown Recluse Spider in various poses
Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa)
Height:
.09”-.16” | 2.2-4 mm
Width:
.08”-.16” | 2-4 mm
Length:
.83”-1.46” | 21-37 mm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Body Length: .28”-.47” | 7-12 mm

Scientific Name
Loxosceles reclusa
Lifespan
2-4 years

Drawings include:

Brown Recluse Spider top view, side

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Zebra Spider (Salticus scenicus)
Comparison drawing of the Zebra Spider compared to other spiders

The Zebra Spider (Salticus scenicus) gets its name from the vivid black and white coloration on its body. Like all jumping spiders, it does not build a web but seeks its prey by stalking. The spider belongs to the family Salticidae found in the Northern Hemisphere close to human settlements such as walls, plants, and fences. The Zebra Spider shows both arboreal and ground-dwelling characteristics and bears large forward-facing eyes. Females show great parental care by taking care of the eggs and the young. Males bear massive and elongated chelicerae and must do complex dance moves to woo the female.

The Zebra Spider has an overall legspan length between .2”-.35” (5-9 mm). Zebra Spiders have a typical body length of .16”-.28” (4-7 mm), body width of .06”-.1” (1.5-2.5 mm), and body height of .05”-.08” (1.2-2 mm). The common lifespan of the Zebra Spider is between 1-2 years in the wild and 2-3 years in captivity.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Zebra Spider
The Zebra Spider (Salticus scenicus) gets its name from the vivid black and white coloration on its body. Like all jumping spiders, it does not build a web but seeks its prey by stalking. The spider belongs to the family Salticidae found in the Northern Hemisphere close to human settlements.

The Zebra Spider has an overall legspan length between .2”-.35” (5-9 mm). Zebra Spiders have a typical body length of .16”-.28” (4-7 mm), body width of .06”-.1” (1.5-2.5 mm), and body height of .05”-.08” (1.2-2 mm). The common lifespan of the Zebra Spider is between 1-2 years in the wild and 2-3 years in captivity.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Zebra Spider
Zebra Spider (Salticus scenicus)
Height:
.05”-.08” | 1.2-2 mm
Width:
.06”-.1” | 1.5-2.5 mm
Length:
.2”-.35” | 5-9 mm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Body Length: .16”-.28” | 4-7 mm

Scientific Name
Salticus scenicus
Lifespan
1-2 years (wild); 2-3 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Zebra Spider top view, side

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Camel Spider (Galeodes arabs)
Scale illustration of an average Camel Spider compared to other spider species

They may have gained an evil reputation during the Iraqi war as voracious predators capable of devouring humans or a camel, but those are just myths about the Camel Spider (Solifugae). This spider belongs to the class Arachnida and is also called Wind Scorpion, Solifuge, or Sun spider. The Camel Spider shows characteristics of both scorpions and spiders and has a unique feeding ability of devouring prey to a pulp, then exuding digestive enzymes to liquefy the flesh. As a desert dweller, it feeds on small ground-dwelling animals and hides on scrubs. Females dig burrows which she uses to lay her eggs.

The Camel Spider has an overall legspan length between 5.51”-8.07” (14-20.5 cm). Camel Spiders have a typical body length of 2”-3” (5.1-7.6 cm), body width of .35”-.55” (9-14 mm), and body height of .43”-.67” (11-17 mm). The common lifespan of the Camel Spider is between 1-1.5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Camel Spider
They may have gained an evil reputation during the Iraqi war as voracious predators capable of devouring humans or a camel, but those are just myths about the Camel Spider (Solifugae). This spider belongs to the class Arachnida and is also called Wind Scorpion, Solifuge, or Sun spider.

The Camel Spider has an overall legspan length between 5.51”-8.07” (14-20.5 cm). Camel Spiders have a typical body length of 2”-3” (5.1-7.6 cm), body width of .35”-.55” (9-14 mm), and body height of .43”-.67” (11-17 mm). The common lifespan of the Camel Spider is between 1-1.5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Camel Spider
Camel Spider (Galeodes arabs)
Height:
.43”-.67” | 11-17 mm
Width:
.35”-.55” | 9-14 mm
Length:
5.51”-8.07” | 14-20.5 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Body Length: 2”-3” | 5.1-7.6 cm

Scientific Name
Galeodes arabs
Lifespan
1-1.5 years

Drawings include:

Camel Spider top view, side

Downloads

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