Nonvenomous arthropods

Abstract

Most arthropods are harmless, but there is a select group of medically significant species. Invertebrates with jointed limbs belong to the phylum Arthropoda. Most of the medically important arthropods are in the classes Insecta (insects) or Arachnida (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions). Some members of the class Chilopoda (centipedes) may bite humans, and some of the larger members of the Crustacea (crabs, lobsters) may cause injury with pincers or spines. Categories of medical significance include: envenoming by bites or stings; allergic reactions to bites, stings, hairs, or inhaled allergens; transmission of infectious agents; infestation; the pain and trauma from bites or penetrating spines; phobia and delusory parasitosis. Arthropods may cause nuisance by their presence or the noises they may make, or by being perceived as unhygienic. It is helpful to identify the species involved, although this may not always be possible, so generic approaches can help the management of problems.