Body Parts of a Spider

Spiders have some of the most unique body parts in the animal kingdom. Unlike most animals, these body parts have evolved to aid spiders in the web-making abilities.

  1. Cephalothorax

    • This is the term used for the area in which the spider's head is located. Unlike most animals and humans, a spider's stomach and brain are both located within the head region.

    Abdomen

    • The abdomen is usually located directly behind the spider's head. The abdomen is usually large and round in shape. It contains the silk-making glands that are necessary for web building.

    Eyes

    • A spider can have two to eight eyes, depending on the species. These eyes are all located on the cephalothorax.

    Legs

    • One characteristic that all species of spiders have in common is their number of legs. All spiders have eight legs.

    Spinnerets

    • A spider's spinnerets are located at the back end of its abdomen. The spinnerets are small openings that allow the liquid silk to come out of the abdomen. The spiders then spin the silk with their legs.