More insects in your backyard.

 

Many different species of spiders exist in your backyard. They have varying features and behave in strange ways. It is difficult to see the spider on the right in amongst its web. It folds its legs so that it blends in with its surroundings.

 

It is hard to believe that his is the spider pictured above. When the spider is on the move, bright markings on its legs warn off would be predators.

 

Play the video on the right to see the spider faking death.
Some spiders carry their egg sack with them.

 

Most spiders have powerful fangs and are capable of injecting venom into their prey. How dangerous the venom is to humans depends on the type of spider. Be very careful when dealing with spiders.

 

A witchetty grub is the larva of a moth. This is also a delicious source of protein for people living in the Outback.

 

Centipedes are very common around the garden. But some can deliver a nasty sting. Some species are venomous and must be approached with caution. View the video below..


Notice how the centipede's body is divided into a head and trunk. The trunk has many segments the last of which is modified with fangs and a poison gland. Centipedes are predatory, fast moving and very aggressive.
What is the difference between a millipede and a centipede?

 

 

"Centipedes belong to the phylum Arthropoda . Centipedes comprise the class Chilopoda, and
are grouped with millipedes in the subphylum Myriapoda" Consider the statement above. Answer the following questions.

Define the term Phylum.

What are the criteria for an organism to be included in the phylum Arthropoda?
What other organisms belong to the phylum Arthropoda?

Insects are classed as invertebrates.
What does the term invertebrate mean?
What other creatures are classed as invertebrates?

Spiders are arthropods which belong to the class arachnida. Explain how a creature can be classified into a phylum and then into different classes. Use spiders as an example.

What features must a creature have to be classified as an arachnid?

What creatures have a cephalothorax

What other creatures belong to the class of arachnida.

What is arachnology?

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