Pest Control Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following options best describes spiders in comparison to insects?

1. Spiders have wings and six legs

2. Spiders have eight legs and two segments

3. Spiders have a body composed of three segments

4. Spiders have antennae and four legs

The correct answer is: Spiders have eight legs and two segments

Spiders are part of the class Arachnida, which distinguishes them from insects that belong to the class Insecta. One of the key characteristics of spiders is that they have eight legs, which is a defining feature of arachnids. Additionally, spiders are composed of two primary body segments: the cephalothorax (which combines the head and thorax) and the abdomen. This two-segment structure is in contrast to insects, which typically have three main body segments: head, thorax, and abdomen. Understanding these anatomical differences is crucial for anyone studying pest control, as it helps in identifying various arthropods and implementing effective management strategies. The characteristics of wings, legs, body segments, and antennae mentioned in the other choices describe attributes of insects rather than spiders, thus emphasizing the importance of recognizing these differences in pest identification and ecology.