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Discover the world of insects, arachnids and other arthropods

SnapSects helps you identify, classify, and learn about biodiversity in a simple, accessible, and interactive way. Explore photos, characteristics, and reliable information for students, educators, and nature enthusiasts.

Macro photograph of an arthropod Foto: Kyle Glenn / Unsplash

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About the phylum

Arthropoda

The phylum Arthropoda is part of the kingdom Animalia and encompasses the greatest variety of species on the planet. Insects, crustaceans, arachnids, millipedes and centipedes belong to this phylum. Arthropods, invertebrate animals, are characterized by having a rigid chitinous exoskeleton, segmented body, bilateral symmetry, and jointed legs.

In general, the body of arthropods consists of head, thorax, and abdomen. In some cases, however, head and thorax are classified as cephalothorax, as they are joined together.

Divide-se, então, o corpo do artrópode em cabeça e tronco. Apesar de apresentarem características similares, os artrópodes são muito diversificados. Eles podem ter características morfológicas tão diferentes que, aos olhos dos leigos, não parecerão pertencentes ao mesmo grupo.

Aranha em detalhe, representando a diversidade de Arthropoda

Foto: James Wainscoat / Unsplash