Epeirid

/ɪˈpaɪ.rɪd/ noun

Definition

A spider belonging to the family Epeiridae, which includes various orb-weaving spiders with diverse shapes and behaviors.

Etymology

From the genus name 'Epeira' + '-id' (member of a group). As taxonomy evolved, this term classified spiders within the broader orb-weaver family.

Kelly Says

Some epeirids have wild, spiky abdomens that look like tiny spiky potatoes—the bumps may help them hide or confuse predators, but scientists are still figuring out the exact benefits!

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