Arachnids

Introduction

"Arachnids are arthropods in the class Arachnida (/əˈræknɪdə/) of the subphylum Chelicerata. Arachnida includes, among others, spiders, scorpions, ticks, mites, pseudoscorpions, harvestmen, camel spiders, whip spiders and vinegaroons.[1]

Adult arachnids have eight legs attached to the cephalothorax, although the frontmost pair of legs in some species has converted to a sensory function, while in other species, different appendages can grow large enough to take on the appearance of extra pairs of legs. The term is derived from the Greek word ἀράχνη (aráchnē, 'spider'), from the myth of the hubristic human weaver Arachne, who was turned into a spider.[2]

Almost all extant arachnids are terrestrial, living mainly on land. However, some inhabit freshwater environments and, with the exception of the pelagic zone, marine environments as well. They comprise over 110,000 named species, of which 51,000 are species of spiders.[3][4]" - Wikipedia: Arachnids

Examples of Arachnids

Spiders

Harvestmen

Scorpions

Ticks & Mites

How to Help Arachnids

The following is organized (to the best of our ability) from most impactful and easier to do first, then progressively to smaller-impact actions you can take, which tend to take more effort to implement.

Protect & Provide Habitat

We can do this in many ways from combatting deforestation and habitat loss, to preserving and rewilding critical habitats, and boosting ecological diversity to ensure a healthy diet for these important predators.

There are many types of garden, including wildlife gardens that can help support arachnids, but regardless of where you live - on a farm or an urban space, it is perhaps most important to avoid using pesticides or other lethal methods whenever possible.

Resources & Guides