Secondary eye

Pronunciation
/sek-uhn-DAIR-ee ahy/
Category
Anatomy
Singular
Secondary eye
Plural
Secondary eyes

Definition

Eyes in arachnids, other than the primary eyes (main eyes), used for detecting motion and light intensity.

Etymology

From Latin 'secundarius', meaning 'second' or 'following' and 'oculus', meaning 'eye'.

Example

The wolf spider has several secondary eyes around its primary eyes, which help it detect movement in all directions.

Synonyms

  • Lateral eyes
  • Accessory eyes

Related Terms

  • Primary eyes
  • Ocelli
  • Arachnid vision

Usage Notes

Secondary eyes vary in number and arrangement depending on the species of arachnid, often complementing the vision provided by the primary eyes.