Araneae

Araneae

Araneae (pronounced: ah-ran-ee-ay) is the scientific term for the order of arachnids commonly known as spiders. The term is derived from the Latin word 'araneus' meaning spider and the Greek 'Arachne' referring to a mythological weaver turned into a spider by the goddess Athena.

Classification

Araneae is a part of the class Arachnida, which also includes scorpions, ticks, and mites. Within the order Araneae, there are three suborders: Mesothelae, Mygalomorphae, and Araneomorphae. These are further divided into over 100 families, with more than 48,000 species described.

Anatomy

Spiders are characterized by their eight legs, two body segments (the cephalothorax and the abdomen), and their ability to produce silk. Unlike insects, they do not have antennae.

Behavior

Most species of Araneae are solitary, with each individual spider creating its own web or burrow. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects and other small animals. Some species are known to practice sexual cannibalism, where the female consumes the male after mating.

Medical Significance

While the majority of spiders are harmless to humans, some species, such as the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse, can deliver bites that are medically significant. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe systemic effects.

Related Terms

• Arachnophobia: An irrational fear of spiders.
• Arachnology: The scientific study of spiders and related animals such as scorpions and harvestmen.
• Venom: A toxic substance produced by certain animals, including spiders, used to immobilize or kill prey.

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