abdominal feet
- Pronunciation
- /ab-DOM-i-nuhl feet/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- abdominal foot
- Plural
- abdominal feet
Definition
Proleg-like structures found on the abdominal segments of some insect larvae, such as caterpillars, which aid in locomotion and gripping surfaces.
Etymology
Derived from 'abdominal', relating to the abdomen, and 'feet', the plural of foot.
Example
The caterpillar used its abdominal feet to cling to the leaf as it moved along its surface.
Synonyms
Related Terms
- Larva
- Caterpillar
- Thoracic legs
- Segments
Usage Notes
Abdominal feet are typically equipped with tiny hooks known as crochets, which enhance their grip on surfaces.