Crossword Genius

Some mollusc, or pioneer predator? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scorpion

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'predator?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'some mollusc or pioneer' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates a hidden word (some of the parts of the word are used).
'SCORPION' is hidden within 'mollusc or pioneer'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scorpion that I've seen before include "Animal with a sting in its tail" , "Poisonous creature" , "Creature with a sting in its tail" , "Desert arachnid" , "Eight sign of Zodiac, kind of spider" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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