Trichobothrium
- Pronunciation
- /trik-oh-BOTH-ree-um/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Trichobothrium
- Plural
- Trichobothria
Definition
A type of sensory hair found on arachnids and certain insects, sensitive to mechanical vibrations and air currents.
Etymology
From Greek 'tricho-', meaning 'hair', and 'bothrion', meaning 'pit' or 'cavity'.
Example
Trichobothria on the legs of spiders help them detect the movements of prey or predators.
Synonyms
- Sensory hair
- Mechanoreceptor hair
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Trichobothria are extremely sensitive and play a crucial role in the behavior and survival of many arachnids and insects.