What does this page offer?
- Read about the basic facts on arachnids
- Access some of the free short courses on arachnids
- Join OZT as a member to learn even more about how to work with arachnids while meeting people from around the world!
You have chosen a career to follow and prepare for; now it’s time to learn more about the species and breeds you will work with.
- Read about the basic facts on arachnids
- Join the Arachnids Group to learn how to work with them and meet people from around the world
- Access all of the free short courses on arachnids
- Connect with tertiary institutions and organisations that work with arachnids
Basic Facts on Arachnids
A group of small wingless invertebrate animals (arthropods), having a body divided into two parts, the Cephalothorax and the abdomen, with four pairs of jointed legs.
Scientific name:
The word Arachnida comes from the Greek for spider.
Common use names:
There is no specific indication between the two genders, except the usual male and female.
A group of spiders is known as a clutter or cluster. A group of scorpions is a bed.
The word “arachnid” in other languages:
- Dutch: spinachtige
- French: arachnide
- Spanish: arácnida
- Turkish: eklembacaklılardan
Awesome fact:
Some arachnids possess hidden cognitive abilities, including foresight and planning, complex learning
Arachnida Stats
Average Length
0.1 mm to 48 cm (0.004 to 19 in)
Average Weight
up to 4 kg (9 lb)
Average Lifespan
3 weeks to 25 years
Average Offspring
up to 120,000 eggs
Running Speed
up to 0.53 m/s (1.9 km/h or 1.2 mph)
Active Time
Depends on species
Main Diet
99% are Carnivorous
Distribution & Habitat
Almost all countries, except the arctic regions - all habitats, except high and cold altitudes, as well as the oceans
Estimated Global Population
In the trillions
Conservation Status
Least Concern to Vulnerable
The scientific classification of arachnids
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: 15
Family: 822
Genus: 8,200
Species: 110,000
Free Short Courses on Arachnids
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Join one of the 4 Arachnid Groups
Learn even more about Cats by joining the ARACHNID GROUP
Learn even more about arachnids or specific species by joining one of the four ARACHNID GROUPS.
The current 4 Groups, according to the Orders:
- Arachnids – This is the GENERAL Group for those who have not chosen a specific kind of arachnid to work with yet. It also includes the groups of arachnids not covered by the other three Groups. These are the mites, ticks, harvestmen, solifugae, whip scorpions, false scorpions, tailless whip scorpions, palpigrades, schizomids etc
- Scorpiones – Specific Group only for Scorpions
- Araneae – Specific Group only for Spiders
- Xiphosura -Specific Group on Horseshoe Crab
​Members of the Groups can access all the different OZT Short Courses, win awards and meet other arachnid lovers from around the world. Gain experience points with each short course and compete for the top spot on the leader board!
Topics covered in the ARACHNID GROUPS:
- General arachnid knowledge (Anatomy, Habitat, Behaviour, Diet, Ecological Benefits & Conservation)
- Arachnid Care & Health
- Arachnid Business and Design
- ​Species (courses on over 50 different species)
Interact with all of the relevant tertiary institutions that feature courses related to cats, as well as animal organisations that work with cats.
If you are not a member yet, then register for FREE!
Career profiles and resources
How many career profiles are there on OZT where you can work with arachnids?
Contributions by expert members are always appreciated to allow the Students to make informed decisions. Please add your contribution through the attached Form:
List of Species Mentors/Educators who have contributed to the info:
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BugBoss
A few excellent pictures of the species:
