comb-footed spider
Noun: A type of spider characterized by having a comb-like row of stiff bristles (setae) on the tarsi (the final segments) of its hind legs. This anatomical feature is used to fling silk over its prey to subdue it. Most spiders in the family Theridiidae, commonly known as cobweb spiders or tangle-web spiders, are comb-footed spiders.
The term "comb-footed spider" is a descriptive common name used primarily in entomological and arachnological contexts to identify spiders belonging to the family Theridiidae based on a key physical trait. - The biologist identified the specimen as a comb-footed spider due to the distinctive bristles on its hind legs. - Common house spiders are often comb-footed spiders that build messy, three-dimensional webs in corners.
- The term is often used interchangeably with the family name Theridiidae in general descriptions, though "Theridiidae" is the formal taxonomic classification.
- The study focused on the predatory behavior of comb-footed spiders (family Theridiidae).
- Theridiid (noun): A member of the spider family Theridiidae; a technical synonym for a comb-footed spider.
- The theridiid constructed a complex tangle web in the window frame.
- Cobweb spider (noun): A common name for many comb-footed spiders, referring to the type of irregular web they build.
- Tangle-web spider (noun): Another common name describing the web structure of these spiders.
- Theridiid spider
- Cobweb weaver (This synonym emphasizes web-building behavior rather than the physical comb structure.)
- Black widow (noun): A well-known and highly venomous genus () of comb-footed spiders.
- False widow (noun): Spiders in the genus , which are also comb-footed spiders and resemble black widows.
- spider having a comb-like row of bristles on each hind foot