Nevada hosts a wide range of environments that are ideal for countless insects and arachnids to thrive. Several major rivers, such as the Columbia River, the Colorado River and the Humboldt River, run through the state. Relatively large lakes such as Pyramid Lake, Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead are scattered throughout the state. Nevada offers every type of environment from cold, snow-covered mountains to hot, sandy deserts. Grassy valleys, deep canyons as well as forest areas are also located throughout Nevada. Prairie lands dominate the northern part of the state near the Idaho border.
Spiders are a type of arachnid. Arachnids have two main body parts, including a hard front part, which contains the thorax and head, as well as a soft hind part, which contains the abdomen. A narrow stalk joins these parts. Arachnids all feature two palps, which are used for feeding and grooming, as well as eight legs. Arachnids have neither wings nor antennae. Several different types of arachnids can be found throughout Nevada, including the black tail crab spider, Johnson jumping spider, North American jumping spider, southern black widow and wolf spider.
An insect's body is divided into three main sections: head, abdomen and thorax. All insects also feature six legs, which attach at the thorax. Most insects have wings, which also attach to the insect at the thorax. Several insects can be found throughout the state of Nevada, including the American bumblebee, Asian multicolored lady beetle, dark Jerusalem cricket, German cockroach and gray hairstreak butterfly.
Entomology is essentially a branch of zoology that is mostly concerned with studying insects. An entomologist studies the habits, life cycle and classification of insects and other related life forms such as arachnids. They can plan and implement pest management programs and insect surveys. Entomologist can be employed to investigate ways to manage beneficial insects. Most entomologists specialize in certain areas of entomology such as insect physiology, forest entomology or apiculture, which is the study of bee culture. Several schools in Nevada offer coursework in entomology.