Arthropoda

Introduction
Arthropods are invertebrates.
This includes hexapods, crustaceans, arachnids, centipedes and
millipedes

General Characteristics of Arthropods
Arthropods are animals with jointed appendages.
Arthropods range in size from tiny mites to giant crabs, which may
have legs over ten feet.
Some arthropods are marine animals, others are fresh water animals,
and others are terrestrial animals.
Many arthropods fly, and are the only invertebrates known to do so.
Arthropods have segmented bodies.
Arthropods have an exoskeleton which is light in weight and very
strong.
Arthropods molt many times.
Characteristics of hexapods
Have a body consisting of three parts, head, thorax and abdomen.
Bodies are covered with a tough material called a cuticle.
The head has various sense organs.
Have one pair of compound eyes. The compound eye is made up of
numerous eyes called omatidia.
Have one pair of antennae or feelers.
Most have three simple eyes.
They see with their compound eyes.
Most have two pairs of wings supported by a network of veins.
Characteristics Contd
The wings of insects are attached to the middle region of their bodies
called the thorax.
They breathe by means of small holes on the side of the thorax and
abdomen. These breathing holes are called spiracles.
They have six legs, one pair on each of its segments.
The feet or Tarsus has claws with sticky pads that enables them to
walk upside down or on smooth walls.
Some are wingless.
Some are beneficial because they aid in pollination or in the products
they produce. (honey bee) some are pests.
Examples of Hexapods
Assassin bug
Tsetse fly
Capsid bug
Shield bug
House fly

Characteristics of Crustaceans
Most crustaceans have gills. Two pairs of gills
They have five pairs of appendages attached to the head including
two pairs of feelers
Gas exchange occurs through the body wall and the appendages.
The head and thorax of crustaceans are covered by a hard dorsal
covering called a Carapace which serves as a good protection for
them.
The segments of the abdomen typically have appendages called
swimmerets.
Characteristics Contd
Crustaceans use swimmerets for swimming and also serve for a
reproductive process. E.g in lobsters, the eggs are attached to the
swimmers.
Sexes in most crustaceans are separate.
Most crustaceans go through the molting process.

Examples of Crustaceans
Shrimps
Crayfish
Crabs
Lobster
Characteristics of Arachnids
Arachnids have four pairs of walking legs
Arachnids bodies are made up of two parts only: a fused head and
thorax and an abdomen.
They have only one simple eye.
They have no antennae or feelers.
They have many bristles which serve as a sensory function.
Many of them are carnivores
Arachnids usually capture their prey and suck out their body juices.
Examples of Arachnids
Spiders
Mites
Ticks
scorpions
Characteristics of Centipedes
Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment.
They are carnivores and live on insects, earthworms and spiders.
Centipedes have poisoned claws which kill their victims.
Centipedes live in moist habitats in order for them to survive.

Examples of Centipedes
Characteristics of Millipedes
Most millipedes have more legs than centipedes
Millipedes have two pair of legs per segment of their body
Most millipedes are vegetarians
When disturbed, a millipede will sometimes roll into a coil
Many millipedes release secretions which are poisonous and protect
them from their enemies.
Most millipedes can only survive in moist habitats
Examples of Millipedes
Echinoderms
Characteristics of Echinoderms
Echinoderms range in size from about half an inch in diameter up to
thirty two inches across the arms
Echinoderms use a water vascular system in their movement and the
getting of the food
Echinoderms have an endoskeleton, that is an internal skeleton such
as the characteristic of the vertebrate animals
Echinoderms are not parasitic
Some echinoderms are carnivores. Eg, starfish
Some are herbivores. Eg, sea urchin
Examples of Echinoderms
Starfish
Basket stars
Brittle stars
Sea cucumbers
Keyhole dollars