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Glite Dictionary
👅 A sensory organ 🕷️ A mating organ
palp

palp

9.9
A special part on male spiders used to transfer sperm to a female during mating
  • noun
  • /pælp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : palpo
  • During mating, the male spider relies on his palp to ensure successful sperm transfer.

Examples

  • The male spider uses his palp to transfer sperm during mating.

  • The male palps acquire an additional function at maturity.

    Blog text (4)

  • Also, there are only a few species of spider for which the palp regularly breaks off in the female's epigynum.

    Blog text (4)

  • Is it a gecko toe or a spider palp, which is a proper name for a spider penis.

  • In many spider species, the palp plays a crucial role in reproduction.

Synonyms

pedipalp
vspalp
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small leg-like part near the mouth of spiders and scorpions used to feel, hold, or help in mating

is specialized for sperm transfer by males rather than general functions
palpus
vspalp
  • Specialized
9.9

A small special part on male spiders that transfers sperm to the female

is a broader term across arachnid groups not only male spiders

Surface Forms

palp singular
palps plural

Etymology

Palp comes from the Latin palpare, meaning 'to touch', and is the same root as palpate. That's why in male spiders a palp is a small, delicate part used like a tiny 'hand' to carry and give sperm during mating.