Ctenizid

/ˈtɛnɪzɪd/ noun

Definition

A member of the spider family Ctenizidae, commonly known as trapdoor spiders, which are known for their burrows with hinged silk doors.

Etymology

From Greek 'ctenis' meaning 'comb' combined with the suffix '-id' denoting a member of a family. The comb-like spinnerets on these spiders likely inspired the 'comb' connection in the scientific naming.

Kelly Says

Trapdoor spiders are incredible engineers—they construct burrows with precisely engineered silk doors that snap shut in milliseconds when they sense vibrations from prey, using the same physics principle as a Venus flytrap!

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