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Glite Dictionary
👅 A sensory part 🕷️ A mating organ
palpus

palpus

9.9
A small feeler near the mouth that insects and similar animals use to taste or touch
  • noun
  • /ˈpæl.pəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : palpo
  • The butterfly uses its palpus to taste nectar before feeding.

Examples

  • Scientists observed the movement of the beetle's palpus under a microscope.

  • Many species of insects have two palpi near their mouths.

  • Each spider has a pair of palpus near its mouth for sensing its surroundings.

  • The palpus of the insect is crucial for detecting food.

  • The butterfly uses its palpus to taste nectar before feeding.

  • Scientists observed the movement of the beetle's palpus under a microscope.

  • Each spider has a pair of palpus near its mouth for sensing its surroundings.

Synonyms

palp
vspalpus
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small sensitive part near the mouth of insects used for touching and tasting

is the same sensory mouth appendage but called by a different term
maxillary palpus
vspalpus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small feeler made of parts on the outer side of an insect's mouth that senses smells

is a general mouth-area sensory appendage not specific to the maxilla
labial palpus
vspalpus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small jointed part at the front of an insect's mouth that helps taste and handle food

is a general mouth-area sensory appendage rather than located on the mentum

Compounds

labial palpus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small jointed part at the front of an insect's mouth that helps taste and handle food

maxillary palpus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small feeler made of parts on the outer side of an insect's mouth that senses smells

Surface Forms

palpus singular
palpi plural

Etymology

Palpus comes from the old Latin verb palpare, which means 'to touch' or 'to stroke'. Think of the English word palpable ('able to be felt') — a palpus is a small feeler near the mouth used for tasting and feeling, so its name is about touch.