secondary eyes

Definition

Eyes that are in addition to the primary pair of eyes found on spiders and some other arachnids, often used for detecting movement and light intensity.

Etymology

From Latin 'secundarius' meaning 'of the second rank, secondary' and 'oculus' meaning 'eye'.

Example

The jumping spider uses its secondary eyes to detect motion, allowing it to track and capture its prey with precision.

Synonyms

• auxiliary eyes
• accessory eyes

Related Terms

• primary eyes
• ocelli
• vision
• arachnid

Usage Notes

Secondary eyes are typically smaller and less complex than the primary eyes but play a crucial role in the spider's ability to navigate and hunt.