Arachnology

Arachnology is the scientific study of arachnids, which comprise spiders and related invertebrates such as scorpions, pseudoscorpions, and harvestmen.

Other arachnologists perform research on the anatomy or physiology of arachnids, including the venom of spiders and scorpions.

Arachnology can be broken down into several specialties, including: Arachnologists are served by a number of scientific societies, both national and international in scope.

Their main roles are to encourage the exchange of ideas between researchers, to organise meetings and congresses, and in a number of cases, to publish academic journals.

Some are also involved in science outreach programs, such as the European spider of the year, which raise awareness of these animals among the general public.