bulbus
- Pronunciation
- /BUL-bus/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- bulbus
- Plural
- bulbi
Definition
A bulb-like structure at the base of the pedipalp in male spiders, used to transfer sperm to the female during mating.
Etymology
From Latin 'bulbus', meaning 'bulb' or 'onion'.
Example
The male's bulbus swells during the mating process to facilitate the transfer of sperm to the female spider.
Synonyms
- Palpal bulb
- Copulatory bulb
Related Terms
- Pedipalp
- Sperm transfer
- Spider mating organs
Usage Notes
The bulbus is a critical organ for successful mating in spiders and is often species-specific in its morphology.