Actinopod

/ækˈtɪn.oʊ.pɒd/ noun

Definition

An organism, typically a microscopic protist, that possesses radiating, stiff appendages called axopodia used for capturing prey.

Etymology

From actino- (ray) + -pod (foot, from Greek pous). Though called 'feet,' these are actually specialized feeding appendages, not locomotion structures.

Kelly Says

Actinopods hunt using these ray-like tentacles that act like sticky traps—when a tiny creature brushes one, it gets stuck, then the whole tentacle contracts to pull it toward the mouth, like a microscopic Venus flytrap.

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