Arachnology is the scientific study of spiders and related organisms such as scorpions, pseudoscorpions, harvestmen, collectively called arachnids. However, the study of ticks and mites is sometimes not included in arachnology, but is called Acarology.
Arachnologists are primarily responsible for classifying arachnids. This can be a tedious task due to the sheer number of arachnids in existence. Two species of arachnids may appear virtually identical while two others of the same species may boast very different traits. Around 1970 arachnids became popular pets (specifically tarantulas). This prompted sellers and breeders to appoint a second name to each type (known as a common name). Ex: The Brachypelma Smithi has become known as the Mexican redknee tarantula ever since it entered the pet trade. The fact that many arachnids and almost all tarantulas have two names has complicated the process of classifying tarantulas. Arachnologists are in high demand and desperately needed. The problem being that often Arachnologists are being paid much less than many other zoology related professionals.
Rick West is probably the most renound Arachnologist. He studies tarantulas and has travelled extensively. He now lives in Vancouver Canada.
More on [ Arachnology ]
Pests and Diseases :: Agriculture
Arachnida :: Arthropoda

American Arachnological Society - Organization data, articles from recent issues of the Journal of Arachnology, arachnid photos and links.
Meta Description: [ The official website of the American Arachnological Society and the home of the on-line version of the Journal of Arachnology ]
Arachnodata - Information and consulting agency for scorpions and other arachnid animals. Features images and related links as well.
Meta Description: [ ARACHNODATA, the worldwide only Information- and Coordination Agency for scorpions and other arachnids ]
Arachnology Hub - An annotated collection of web resources related to arachnids.
Meta Description: [ International Society for Arachnology serves to disseminate information about arachnids (spiders, scorptions, etc.) and foster communication among arachnologists. ]
British Arachnological Society - Promotes study of the Arachnida, particularly spiders, pseudoscorpions and harvestmen.
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Dr. David B. Richman's Home Page - Information about Arachnida research as well as images of spiders and scorpions.
International Society for Arachnology - Devoted to the study of all arachnid orders except the Acari. Fosters communication among arachnologists.
Meta Description: [ International Society for Arachnology serves to disseminate information about arachnids (spiders, scorptions, etc.) and foster communication among arachnologists. ]
South Florida Spider Survey - Research project conducted by the University of Florida that seeks to enlist the help of volunteers in studying urban spiders.
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