Arthropoda

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This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.

[edit intro]

Arthropods

Scientific classification
| Kingdom:  | Animalia (animals)

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Phylum:  | Arthropoda (arthropods)

Subphylums

* Celicerata
* Crustacea (crustacea)
* Hexapoda (hexapods)
* Myriapoda (Myriapods)

Arthropods (phylum Arthropoda) are the phylum which includes insects, crustaceans, and all organisms with a hard shell-like segmented body, such as spiders, horseshoe crabs, and centipedes.

## Contents

* 1 Identification
* 2 Life Cycle
* 3 Habitat
* 4 Taxonomy
* 4.1 Number of species
* 4.2 Subdivisions

## Identification[edit]

Arthropods have a hard outer shell, or exoskeleton, which is periodically shed and regrown. The body is segmented, usually with 2-3 distinct groupings. Paired and segmented appendages are usually present.

## Life Cycle[edit]

With the exception of insects, arthropods undergo little to no metamorphosis. Immature arthropods resemble adults. A few crustaceans have a immature form that differs significantly from that of the adult. Some Celicerata have fewer legs in the immature form.

## Habitat[edit]

Arthropod habitats are very diverse. Arthropods are found in almost every habitat. Feeding is equally varied.

## Taxonomy[edit]

Formerly, arthropods were divided into only two subphyla, Manibulata and Celicerata. Mandibulate arthropods include crustaceans, hexapods, and Myriapoda.

### Number of species[edit]

There are 104,000 species found in North America, and 840,000 worldwide.

### Subdivisions[edit]

There are 4 subphylums in this phylum.