Definition

Noun: - A taxonomic family of spiders, commonly known as orb-weaver spiders, characterized by their spiral, wheel-shaped webs. This family has a worldwide distribution.

Usage Notes

• "Family Argiopidae" is a scientific term used in biology and zoology for classification. In modern taxonomy, many spiders formerly grouped under Argiopidae are now classified under the family Araneidae. Therefore, "Araneidae" is often the preferred contemporary term, while "Argiopidae" may be encountered in older literature.

Examples

• ).*

Advanced Usage

• In scientific discourse, the term is used to discuss morphology, web-building behavior, and evolutionary relationships.
  • The study compared the silk proteins of several species within the family Argiopidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Araneidae (n): The currently accepted family name for most orb-weaving spiders, often used synonymously with Argiopidae in modern contexts.
• Orb-weaver (n): The common name for spiders belonging to this family, describing their web-building technique.
• Argiope (n): A prominent genus within this family, including spiders like the black and yellow garden spider.

Synonyms

• Orb-weaver spiders
• Araneidae (in modern taxonomic context)

Related Terms

• Orb web (n): The distinctive, circular web constructed by these spiders.
• Taxonomy (n): The branch of science concerned with classification, into which this term falls.

Noun

1. spiders that spin orb webs; cosmopolitan in distribution