Hair Pencil
- Pronunciation
- /HAIR- pen-sihl/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Hair Pencil
- Plural
- Hair Pencils
Definition
Clusters of long setae on the body of certain insects, particularly male Lepidoptera and some Neuroptera. They occur on various parts of the body, but usually on the abdomen. They are associated with exocrine glands, and usually used during courtship to disperse sex pheromones.
Etymology
From the Latin word 'pencillus,' meaning a small tail or brush, and the English word 'hair,' referring to the hair-like appearance of the setae.
Example
The hair pencils of male butterflies are used to attract females during courtship.
Synonyms
Related Terms
- Pheromones
- Setae
- Courtship
Usage Notes
Hair pencils are often associated with sex pheromone production and release.