Medically Important Classes of Subphylum Arthropoda Class Arachnida There are approximately 57 000 known species of arachnids.

Familiar arachnids include spiders, ticks and mites. Arachnids have a pair of appendages called chelicerae located near their mouths. Chelicerae are modified into pincer in many species. In others, chelicerae are modified into fangs that inject venom into prey. Arachnids can generally be identified by the following characteristics: y One or two body segments y Mouthparts adapted for slicing and sucking (no chewing mouthparts) y Book lungs for breathing y Four pairs of walking legs y No antennae y Simple eyes Class Chilopoda Chilopoda is the lease diverse class of arthropods. There are approximately 2500 known species of chilopods. The most familiar member of the Class Chilopoda is the centipede. Species are terrestrial and can be found worldwide. They are carnivores and feed mainly on other arthropods, snails, and worms. Chilopods can be identified by the following characteristics: y Cylindrical, flattened body (made up of multiple segments) y Mouthparts adapted for chewing y Tracheal tubes for breathing y One pair of legs per body segment (laterally located on the sides of the body) y One pair of antennae y Compound eyes y Claws Class Crustacea Class crustacean gets its name from the Latin word crusta, meaning crust . There are approximately 35 000 known species of crustaceans. Familiar crustaceans include lobsters, barnacles, and shrimp. Most species are aquatic and live in marine environments. Crustaceans can generally be identified by the following characteristics: y Two or three body sections y Exoskeleton made of tough chitin y y y y y Mouthparts adapted for chewing Two pairs of antennae Five or more pairs of walking legs Compound eyes on movable stalks Claws

Class Diplopoda There are approximately 10 000 known species of diplopods. The most familiar member of class diplopoda is the millipede. All species are terrestrial and inhabit damp forest floors. Diplopods are herbivores and feed on decaying plant material. Diplopods can be identified by the following characteristics: y Cylindrical body (made up of multiple segments) y Mouthparts adapted for chewing y Tracheal tubes for breathing y Two pairs of legs per body segment (ventrally located beneath the body) y One pair of antennae y Compound eyes Class Insecta Insecta is the most diverse class of arthropods. There are over 800 000 known species of insects, and an estimated several millions yet undiscovered. Cockroaches, butterflies, and ants are some common insects. Most insects live on land, although some freshwater aquatic species exist. Insects can be identified by the following characteristics: y Three body segments head, thorax and abdomen y Mouthparts adapted for chewing, biting, sucking, and lapping y Trachea for breathing y Two pairs of wings y One pair of antennae y Three pairs of walking legs y Compound eyes

Source: http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs/BL_18/ BL_18.html