Minnesota Arachnids

Arachnida (arachnids) is a class of the kingdom Animalia (animals). Arachnids are distinguished by having

• two body sections, the cephalothorax (head and body fused together) and the abdomen
• jointed appendages
• eight legs (In some species the front legs have been converted into sensory organs. Some species have different appendages that are large and have the appearance of legs.)
• pointed fang-like or pincer-like mouthparts (chelicerae)
• finger-like sensory mouthparts (pedipalps)
• no wings
• no antennae

There are more than 100,000 described arachnid species worldwide. The class includes spiders, scorpions, ticks, mites, pseudoscorpions, harvestmen, camel spiders, whip spiders, vinegaroons, and others.