ARTHROPODS

CHARACTERISTICS AND GROUPS

Arthropods make up part of the group of invertebrates because their skeleton is external.

The articulated exoskeleton (external skeleton) is made up of hard, small plates that cover the body. Like a human skeleton, it supports and protects the body, but it is external.

GROUPS OF ARTHROPODS

Arthropods are the group of animals with the highest number of species. They can be classified into four different groups.

• Insects: this is  the largest group of arthropods. Most are found on land, but some live in fresh water. Burrterflies, grasshoppers, mosquitoes and beetles are insects.
• Arachnids: they live on land and are carnivores. they eat insects like flies and mosquitoes. Spiders, ticks and scorpions are arachnids.
• Myriapods: they live on land under rocks and stones. They eat insects and other small animals. Centipedes and millipedes are examples of myriapods.
• Crustaceans: they usually live in the sea. Their exoskeletons contain a mineral substance that makes them very hard. Lobsters, crabs and prawns are crustaceans. Many human beings like to eat these types of shellfish.

To learn more about arthropods

Arthropods

Arthropods can be divided into four groups:

• Arachnids have eight legs. They do not have wings or antennae. Spiders are arachnids.
• Insects have six legs, two antennae and wings to fly. Flies are insects.
• Myriapods have long bodies with many pairs of legs. Centipedes are myriapods.
• Crustaceans are often aquatic and breathe with gills. Crabs are crustaceans.