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comb-footed spider

comb-footed spider

9.8
A spider with a row of short stiff hairs on each hind foot that often spins irregular webs
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : araña de patas de peine
  • The comb-footed spider can often be found spinning irregular webs in dark corners.

Examples

  • Scientists identified the specimen as a comb-footed spider due to the bristles on its hind legs.

  • Some species of comb-footed spider are known for their ability to catch prey much larger than themselves.

  • The comb-footed spider is often found in dark corners.

  • Have you ever seen a comb-footed spider up close?

  • The comb-footed spider is easily recognized by the unique bristles on its hind feet.

  • Many species of comb-footed spider can be found in gardens, where they help control pest populations.

  • The behavior of the comb-footed spider exhibits fascinating web-building techniques that attract prey.

Synonyms

spider
vscomb-footed spider
327 1.0

A small animal with eight legs that makes webs and often has a poisonous bite

is a narrower group defined by comblike bristles on the hind feet
theridiid
vscomb-footed spider
  • Specialized
9.9

A spider with a row of comb-like bristles on each back foot

is the common name form while the other is the scientific label

Surface Forms

Morphology

comb-footed + spider

The compound is compositionally transparent: a B1 learner who knows 'comb' and 'foot/footed' can infer 'comb-footed' means 'having comb-like structures on the feet', and combining that with 'spider' yields 'a spider with comb-like bristles on its feet'. This follows a common English adjective+noun compounding pattern (and similar compounding exists in many languages), so the meaning is directly derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Comb-footed spider is named for the row of bristles like a comb on its hind feet. These comb-like hairs help the spider pull sticky silk to wrap and catch prey, so the name points to the special body part that helps it hunt.