arachnid

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arachnid

arachnid , mainly terrestrial arthropod of the class Arachnida, including the spider , scorpion , mite and tick, harvestman (daddy longlegs), and a few minor groups. The body is divided into a cephalothorax with six pairs of appendages, and an abdomen. The first two pairs of appendages are used to kill and crush prey (most arachnids being carnivorous); the remaining four pairs are walking legs. Arachnids have simple eyes and no antennae but are equipped with sensory bristles. Some respire with air tubes, but most possess primitive respiratory organs called book lungs . Arachnids are classified in the phylum Chelicerata , class Arachnida.

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arachnid

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

arachnid Arthropod of the class Arachnida, which includes the spider, tick, mite, scorpion, and harvestman. Arachnids have four pairs of jointed legs, two distinct body segments (cephalothorax and abdomen), and chelicerate jaws (consisting of clawed pincers). They lack antennae and wings.

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