Arctiid

/ɑːrkˈtɪɪd/ noun

Definition

Any moth belonging to the family Arctiidae, particularly woolly bear and tiger moths known for their hairy caterpillars.

Etymology

From 'Arctiidae' (the moth family name) with '-id' suffix denoting a member of that group, similar to how 'canid' means a member of the dog family.

Kelly Says

The '-id' suffix is used in zoology to describe individual members of larger groups—a 'felid' is any cat-like animal, and an 'arctiid' is any moth in that specific family!

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