Arachnomorpha is a proposed subdivision or clade of Arthropoda, comprising the group formed by the trilobites and their close relatives (Artiopoda), Megacheira (which may be paraphyletic) and chelicerates. Under this proposed classification scheme, Arachnomorpha is considered the sister group to Mandibulata (including insects, crustaceans and myriapods).

The arachnomorph concept has been challenged by suggestions that the artiopods are more closely related to mandibulates, forming the clade Antennulata instead.

There is no consensus as to assigning Arachnomorpha a formal Linnean rank.

Classification

Arachnomorpha Lameere, 1890 [= Arachnata Paulus, 1979, = Palaeopoda Packard, 1903]

• †Nettapezoura

• †Dicranocaris

• †Trilobita Walch, 1771

• †Megacheira Hou & Bergström, 1997

• †Strabopida Hou & Bergström, 1997

• †Aglaspida Walcott, 1911

• †Cheloniellida Broili, 1932

Chelicerata Heymons 1901

• Family †Sanctacarididae Legg & Pates, 2017

• Class Pycnogonida Latreille, 1810

Clade Euchelicerata Weygoldt & Paulus, 1979

• Family †Offacolidae Sutton et al., 2002

• Clade Prosomapoda Lamsdell, 2013

Phylogeny

Using fossil data, Bergström & Hou (2003) gave an outline of arthropod relationships emphasizing trilobitomorphs (a group that includes trilobites and trilobite-like animals).

References