Paracymbium
- Pronunciation
- /par-uh-SIM-bium/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Paracymbium
- Plural
- Paracymbia
Definition
A structure found in male spiders' pedipalps, specifically in certain spider families, aiding in the attachment and manipulation of the genital bulb during copulation.
Etymology
From Greek 'para-', meaning 'beside' or 'near', and 'kymbion', meaning 'small boat' or 'cup'.
Example
The paracymbium in male Linyphiidae spiders helps ensure correct orientation during mating.
Related Terms
- Pedipalp
- Genital bulb
- Copulation
Usage Notes
The presence and structure of the paracymbium can be key for species identification and understanding mating mechanics in spiders.