crossword clue arachnid – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "crossword clue arachnid", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue arachnid" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MITE: A very small arachnid, often parasitic, that can be a pest.
TICK: A small, parasitic arachnid that attaches to skin and feeds on blood, known to transmit diseases.
6 Letters
SPIDER: The most common type of arachnid, known for spinning webs and having eight legs.
ACARID: A more scientific term referring to any mite or tick, belonging to the subclass Acari.
8 Letters
SCORPION: An predatory arachnid with a segmented tail tipped with a venomous stinger.
More About "crossword clue arachnid"
Arachnids are a fascinating class of arthropods that are often featured in crosswords due to their diverse forms and interesting names. This group includes well-known creatures like spiders and scorpions, but also less commonly recognized animals such as mites and ticks. While they share characteristics like eight legs and an exoskeleton, their habitats, behaviors, and sizes vary greatly.
When you encounter a clue like "arachnid" in your crossword, consider the length of the word you need. Common answers like SPIDER are often the first to come to mind, but depending on the puzzle's difficulty and theme, more specific or scientific terms such as MITE, TICK, or even ACARID might be the correct fit. Pay attention to any accompanying words in the clue that might hint at a particular type of arachnid or its characteristic, such as "web-spinner" for SPIDER or "blood-sucker" for TICK.
Understanding the broader category of "arachnid" can also help you predict related clues in the same puzzle, or even provide context for general knowledge questions. Their unique biology and sometimes fearsome reputations make them popular subjects for word puzzles, adding an educational element to your solving experience.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and subcategories: For general clues like "arachnid", think about specific examples (SPIDER, SCORPION) or scientific terms (ACARID) that fit the letter count.
- Check intersecting letters: Always use letters from completed words to confirm your arachnid answer. This is especially helpful if multiple answers of the same length are possible.
- Look for context clues: Sometimes, the puzzle clue will give an extra hint, e.g., "Web-spinning arachnid" points specifically to SPIDER, or "Tiny arachnid pest" might indicate MITE.
- Use a Crossword Dictionary: If you're completely stuck, a dedicated crossword dictionary or online solver can suggest words based on clue and known letters.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines an arachnid?
Arachnids are a class of arthropods that includes spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites. They are primarily characterized by having eight legs, an exoskeleton, and no antennae.
Are insects and arachnids the same?
No, insects and arachnids are distinct classes within the phylum Arthropoda. Insects typically have six legs, antennae, and often wings, while arachnids have eight legs and lack antennae or wings.
Why are animals like spiders common crossword clues?
Animals, especially common ones or those with interesting characteristics, are frequent crossword clues because their names can vary in length and often have synonyms or related terms that fit different puzzle grids.