abstract
| - Arachnids are a class (Arachnida) of joint-legged invertebrate animals in the subphylum Chelicerata. All arachnids have eight legs, although in some species the front pair may convert to a sensory function. The term is derived from the Greek word aráchnē, meaning "spider". Almost all adult arachnids have eight legs and may be easily distinguished from insects by this fact, since insects have six legs. However, arachnids also have two further pairs of appendages that have become adapted for feeding, defense, and sensory perception. The first pair, the chelicerae, serve in feeding and defense. The next pair of appendages, the pedipalps have been adapted for feeding, locomotion, and/or reproductive functions. Arachnids are further distinguished from insects by the fact they have no antennae or wings. Like all arthropods, arachnids have an exoskeleton, and they also have an internal structure of cartilage-like tissue called the endosternite, to which certain muscle groups are attached. The endosternite is even calcified in some Opiliones. Like Earth, Valhalla has archnids as well, however they are of extraordinary size, being as large a small dog. One species, the Fyorlag Spiders, hunting methods have been implemented as efficient combat tactics in the southern regions of Ticalla. The Fyorlag Spiders serve as scouts for General Aquilla, and protect their homelands from the insidious Marro
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