This is a simple glossary containing words and definitions you’ll commonly see when insects are being discussed— I feel like complex language only strengthens the divide between the average person and access to knowledge. This list is a work in progress and will be updated over time.

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Abdomen — The back most end of most insects and arachnids.

Antennae — A pair of long, thin, sensory appendages that help insects and other creatures sense the world around them.

Carapace — The middle section of a spider or tarantula, where the legs connect.

Elytra — An evolutionary trait of beetles where two of their previous four wings have over many hundreds of years, hardened into a shell covering for their two remaining wings.

Grub / Larva(e) — A small, immature form of an insect. Especially one that goes through a great deal of growing and change for adulthood.

Ovipositor — A tube like appendage at the back end of many female insects that helps deposit eggs into the soil or other soft material.

Pedipalps — The two small arm-like appendages at the front of a spider or tarantulas face. In males, these pedipalps have a boxing glove like appearance and store their semen.

Thorax — The middle most body section of insects.

Urticating hairs — Small hairs on the abdomen of new-world tarantulas, and some other insects, that detach easily and are used as a defence mechanism. These hairs will irritate skin and can potentially lead to blindness if gotten into the eyes.