Invertebrates
36 entries in the Invertebrates compendium.
AnnelidAnnelids, or segmented worms, make up the phylum Annelida—a name that comes from the LatinAntEusocial insects of the family Formicidae, found worldwide except Antarctica.AphidSmall sap-sucking insects with rapid asexual reproduction and telescoping generations.ArachnidEight-legged arthropods with chelicerae and pedipalps.ArthropodInvertebrates with jointed limbs and exoskeletons, dominating animal diversity.Bed bugBlood-feeding insects that infest homes and cause skin irritation.BeeBees are winged insects that form a single evolutionary group, the clade Anthophila, withiBivalviaAquatic molluscs with hinged shells, lacking a head.Black flySmall flies that bite and spread river blindness.Body louseA blood-feeding louse that spreads typhus and other diseases.Bombyx moriDomesticated silk moth, primary producer of silk.BotflyFlies whose larvae are internal parasites of mammals.BryozoaColonial filter-feeders with a lophophore, known since the early Cambrian.CalliphoridaeA family of metallic flies, often found on carrion.Carpenter antWood-excavating ants that farm aphids and cause structural damage.CentipedeVenomous, multi-legged predators found worldwide in moist habitats.CestodaParasitic flatworms that live in vertebrate intestines.ChelicerataArthropod subphylum including spiders, scorpions, and horseshoe crabs.CnidariaAquatic invertebrates with stinging cells and a decentralized nerve net.CrustaceanMandibulate arthropods with biramous limbs and a nauplius larval stage.DecapodDecapods are crustaceans with ten legs, including crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.EarthwormSoil-dwelling annelids vital to decomposition and soil health.EchinodermMarine animals with five-pointed radial symmetry and unique water vascular system.EurypteridExtinct marine arthropods that included the largest arthropods ever.FlatwormSimple bilaterian invertebrates with flattened bodies and no body cavity.GastropodSnails and slugs, the second-most diverse animal class.CrayfishFreshwater crustaceans that are opportunistic omnivorous scavengers.HemipteraAn order of insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts, including cicadas and bed bugs.HexapodaLargest arthropod clade, including insects and wingless hexapods.HouseflyA globally distributed fly, pest and research subject.HymenopteraOrder of insects including sawflies, wasps, bees, and ants.InsectInsects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth.Jumping spiderLargest spider family with exceptional vision and agile jumping.LeechParasitic or predatory worms used in medicine since ancient times.LepidopteraOrder of winged insects including butterflies and moths.LocustSwarming grasshoppers that form plagues since prehistory.
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