Classification of Arthropoda

Arthropoda are diverse group of invertebrates that are present in maximum number around the globe. They can be seen in varied shape, color and structure.

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Arthropoda can be classified into six major groups which include: Arachnida, Crustacea, Merostoma (extinct), Diplopoda, chilopoda and insect. All these have some characteristics that stand different than the other and hence keep the animals in separate phyla.

1. Arthropoda Arachnida: This class of animals comes under the subphylum named chelicerata. Example: spider, ticks, etc
   • The body of this class of arthropoda is divided into two main parts: cephalothorax and abdomen. Cephalothorax is formed by the fusion of head and thorax.
   • Mouth is present in the first two segments whereas other four segments constitute pairs of legs.
   • Among the first two segments: the first segment helps in grasping, cutting and defense which are called chelicerae whereas the second segment are called pedipalps that helps in sucking and eating of food.
   • The antennae in this animal body are completely absent.
   • Presence of exoskeleton in the animal body.
   • They are mostly terrestrial; hence respire either by well modified book lungs or trachea present in the body.
     
2. Arthropoda Crustacean: These are another class of Arthropoda that have mostly aquatic mode of life. Example: crab, crayfish etc. Some of the observed characteristics of crustacean are:
   • They have jointed pair of appendages.
   • Presence of exoskeleton.
   • Since, they are mostly aquatic. Hence, respiration takes place through gills.
   • Many appendages are present that can even extend beyond seven. These appendages serve several purposes like that of locomotion, digestion, reproduction, etc.
   • Two pairs of antennae are present in animals of this phylum.
   • Presence of open circulatory system in the body plan.
     
3. Arthropoda Insecta: The name insect itself refers to the insect group. Example: Bees, Booklice etc
   • In this class of Arthropod, body is divided into head, thorax and abdomen.
   • Three pairs of legs are present in the animal body.
   • Presence of compound eyes.
   • Since it’s the class insect, wings are present. Hence, the wings can be either one pair or two pairs.
   • It bears antennae in the mouth part. Therefore, there are two pairs of antennae present in the animal belonging to this class.
     
4. Arthropoda Diplopoda: These are other group of Arthropoda that have cylindrical body plan. Example: Millipede
   • The body is divided into head and trunk.
   • There are many segments present in the body.
   • Two pairs of legs remain attached to each segment which can reach up to 350 in well developed adult organism.
   • A pair of small eyes is present.
   • Mouth parts are chewing type that consists of mandible and maxillae.
   • This group of arthropods discharges tainted smell to remain protected from predators.
   • They feed on dead and decaying matter of plants and animals.
   • They can be seen under moist places in the soil.
     
5. Arthropoda Chilopoda: These groups of animals are generally confused with diplopoda due to similar body plan. Still, there are lots of differences between the two. Example here includes: centipede
   • In case of chilopoda only one pair of legs are present in a single segment.
   • Presence of antennae.
   • Eyes are simple and small.
   • A pair of poisonous claws are present that act as a defense mechanism.
   • They depend in smaller organism for food.
   • The last part of appendages is brilliantly colored and is used as defense against the prey. These are main classification of Arthropods on the basis of their external morphology and structure. Thus, this separates them from other groups building the separate section of classification.