prolegs

Caterpillar's fleshy stumps

Prolegs are the fleshy, stub-like appendages on the abdomen of caterpillars and some other insect larvae.

Unlike the true legs near the head, prolegs lack joints and disappear when the larva transforms into an adult.

They grip surfaces with tiny hooks called crochets: The caterpillar clung to the leaf with its prolegs.

anatomy

caterpillar

Moth or butterfly young

larvaeImmature metamorphosing creatures
abdomenTorso's lower cavity
segmentedDivided into sections

thorax · exoskeleton · appendage · hooklets · crochets · fleshy · paired · ventral · spiracles · setae

gripping

cling

Hold tightly to

claspSecuring device that clicks
graspSeize or understand
gripSecure manual hold

anchor · attach · adhere · hook · secure · clutch · hold · suction · friction · crochets

development

instar

Arthropod developmental stage

moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
larval stageEarly developmental form
pupaInsect's resting stage

chrysalis · cocoon · metamorphosis · pupation · transformation · imago · life cycle · growth · juvenile · immature

locomotion

crawl

Move slowly, low

inchTwelfth of a foot
creepStealthy, slow movement
undulateMove in waves

wriggle · ambulation · climbing · looping · progression · traverse · substrate · leaf · twig · branch

Categories

bug partsantennae, thorax, abdomen, head, leg
insect anatomyabdomen, antennae, thorax, exoskeleton, head
insect developmentlarva, pupa, chrysalis, cocoon, metamorphosis
larvaelarvae, larva, caterpillar, caterpillars, maggot
larval defensesurticating hairs, spines, bristles, eyespots

Opposites

limb type

prolegsjointed legs

Limbs with flexible segments

Family

legs, prolific, proliferate, proliferation, proliferative

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