NEPHILA JURASSICA Meaning and
Definition
-
Nephila jurassica is a species of ancient orb-weaving spider that existed during the Jurassic period, approximately 165 million years ago. The term "nephila" refers to a genus of spiders within the family Nephilidae, known for their large size and intricate orb webs, while "jurassica" indicates its Jurassic age.
With a body length of up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) and leg spans that could reach over 40 centimeters (16 inches), Nephila jurassica was one of the largest spiders to have ever lived. It possessed a robust and well-preserved exoskeleton, which has allowed paleontologists to study and understand its morphological features in detail.
This prehistoric spider is notable for its specialized webs, which were intricately woven in radial and spiral patterns using strong silk threads. These webs were used primarily for capturing prey, entrapping insects and possibly even small vertebrates. The spider would typically position itself near the center of the web, awaiting vibrations that would indicate the presence of trapped prey.
The discovery of Nephila jurassica fossils has offered insights into the evolution, behavior, and ecological roles of ancient arachnids. It provides evidence of the early origins of orb-weaving spiders, emphasizing their long-standing success in adapting to different environments and predatory strategies.
Etymology of NEPHILA JURASSICA
The word "Nephila jurassica" is a scientific name given to a species of ancient orb-weaving spider that lived during the Jurassic period. The etymology of this name can be broken down as follows:
1. Nephila: This is the genus name of the spider, derived from the Greek word "Nephele", which means "cloud" or "veil". It refers to the spider's characteristic web, which often appears like a delicate veil in the air.
2. Jurassica: This part of the name indicates the geological period during which the ancient spider lived. It is derived from the Jurassic period, a geological epoch that spanned from 201.3 to 145 million years ago. The name "Jurassic" itself comes from the Jura Mountains located between Switzerland and France, where rocks from this period were first extensively studied.
