Examples of Invertebrates

Invertebrates are animal that do not have vertebral column or backbone. They are found in every ecosystem.

9 Examples of Invertebrates

Here are 9 Examples of invertebrates, their habitat, and why they are considered invertebrates:

1.    Insects

• Habitat: Land, water, and air
• Why considered an invertebrate: Insects do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a hard exoskeleton, three pairs of legs, and two pairs of wings (in most cases).
• Interesting fact: There are over 1 million known species of insects, making them the most diverse group of animals on Earth.

2.    Spiders

• Habitat: All parts of the world, except for Antarctica
• Why considered an invertebrate: Spiders do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have eight legs, a hard exoskeleton, and chelicerae, which are two fangs that inject venom into their prey.
• Interesting fact: Spiders are not insects. They are arachnids, which is a separate class of invertebrates.

3.    Snails

• Habitat: Land, water, and even trees
• Why considered an invertebrate: Snails do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a soft body that is protected by a shell. They have a head with a pair of eyes and a pair of tentacles.
• Interesting fact: Snails can breathe through their skin, which means they can survive underwater for short periods of time.

4.    Clams

• Habitat: Both saltwater and freshwater habitats
• Why considered an invertebrate: Clams do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a hard shell that is closed on both ends. They have a muscular foot that they use to burrow in the sand or mud.
• Interesting fact: Clams are filter feeders, which means they eat tiny plants and animals that are suspended in the water.

5.    Earthworms

• Habitat: Soil
• Why considered an invertebrate: Earthworms do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a long, segmented body. They have a soft body that is covered in mucus.
• Interesting fact: Earthworms are essential for the health of the soil. They help to aerate and fertilize the soil, which makes it more productive for plants.

6.    Jellyfish

• Habitat: Both saltwater and freshwater habitats
• Why considered an invertebrate: Jellyfish do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a gelatinous body and a central mouth. They have stinging cells that they use to defend themselves and capture prey.
• Interesting fact: Jellyfish are one of the oldest animals on Earth. They have been around for over 500 million years.

7.    Octopuses

• Habitat: Both saltwater and freshwater habitats
• Why considered an invertebrate: Octopuses do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a head with eight arms. They have a hard beak and sharp suckers on their arms.
• Interesting fact: Octopuses are very intelligent animals. They are able to solve puzzles and escape from complex traps.

8.    Starfish

• Habitat: Both saltwater and freshwater habitats
• Why considered an invertebrate: Starfish do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They have a spiny skin. They have five arms that are connected to a central disk.
• Interesting fact: Starfish can regenerate their limbs. If a starfish loses an arm, it can grow a new one.

9.    Sponges

• Habitat: Water
• Why considered an invertebrate: Sponges do not have a backbone (vertebrae). They are the simplest invertebrates. They are filter feeders that live in water. Sponges do not have a brain or a nervous system.
• Interesting fact: Sponges are filter feeders. They eat tiny plants and animals that are suspended in the water.