Glossary of spider terms

{{Short description|none}} {{anchor|top}}This glossary describes the terms used in formal descriptions of spiders; where applicable these terms are used in describing other arachnids.

Links within the glossary are shown {{gli|top|in this style}}.

{{Compact ToC|pre1=Terms|custom1=Abbreviations|custom2=See also|custom3=References|custom4=Bibliography}}

==Terms== ===A=== thumb|upright=1.5|The underside and head of a female ecribellate entelegyne spider * {{anchor|abdomen}}{{anchor|opisthosoma}}'''Abdomen''' or '''opisthosoma''': One of the two main body parts (tagmata), located towards the posterior end; see also Abdomen § Other animals

* {{anchor|accessory claw}}'''Accessory claw''': Modified {{gli|seta|setae}} at the tip of the {{gli|tarsus}} in web-building spiders; used with {{gli|tarsal claw|tarsal claws}} to grip strands of the web{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=20}}

* {{anchor|anal tubercle}}'''Anal tubercle''': A small protuberance (tubercule) above the {{gli|spinneret|spinnerets}} through which the anus opens{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=13}}

* '''Apodeme''': see {{gli|sigillum}}

* {{anchor|apophysis}}'''Apophysis''' (plural apophyses): An outgrowth or process changing the general shape of a body part, particularly the appendages; often used in describing the male {{gli|pedipalp}}:{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=13}} see {{gli|retrolateral tibial apophysis|retrolateral tibial apophysis}}

* {{anchor|atrium}}'''Atrium''' (plural atria): An internal chamber at the entrance to the {{gli|copulation duct}} in female haplogyne spiders{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=13}}

===B=== * {{anchor|bidentate}}'''Bidentate''': Having two {{gli|teeth}}{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=20}}

* {{anchor|book lungs}}'''Book lungs''': Respiratory organs on the ventral side (underside) of the {{gli|abdomen}}, in front of the {{gli|epigastric furrow}}, opening through narrow slits;{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=14}} see also Book lungs

* '''Branchial operculum''': see {{gli|operculum}}

* '''Bulbus''': see {{gli|palpal bulb}}

===C=== * {{anchor|calamistrum}}'''Calamistrum''' (plural calamistra): Modified setae (bristles) on the {{gli|metatarsus}} of the fourth leg of spiders with a {{gli|cribellum}}, arranged in one or more rows or in an oval shape, used to comb silk produced by the cribellum; see also Calamistrum

* '''Caput''' (plural capita): see {{gli|cephalic region}}

* {{anchor|carapace}}'''Carapace''': A hardened plate (sclerite) covering the upper (dorsal) portion of the {{gli|cephalothorax}};{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=14}} see also Carapace

* {{anchor|carpoblem}}'''Carpoblem''': The principal {{gli|tibia|tibial}} {{gli|apophysis}} on the male {{gli|pedipalp}}; also just called the tibial apophysis

* {{anchor|cephalic region}}'''Cephalic region''' or '''caput''': The front part of the {{gli|cephalothorax}}, separated from the thoracic region by the {{gli|cervical groove}}{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|pp=14–15}}

* {{anchor|cephalothorax}}{{anchor|prosoma}}'''Cephalothorax''' or '''prosoma''': One of the two main body parts (tagmata), located towards the anterior end, composed of the head ({{gli|cephalic region}} or caput) and the thorax (thoracic region), the two regions being separated by the {{gli|cervical groove}}; covered by the {{gli|carapace}} and bearing the {{gli|eyes}}, legs, {{gli|pedipalp|pedipalps}} and mouthparts{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=14}}

* {{anchor|cervical groove}}'''Cervical groove''': A shallow U-shaped groove, separating the {{gli|cephalic region|cephalic}} and thoracic regions of the {{gli|carapace}}{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=14}}

* {{anchor|chelate}}'''Chelate''': A description of a {{gli|chelicera}} where the {{gli|fang}} closes against a tooth-like process{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=20}}

* {{anchor|chelicera}}'''Chelicera''' (plural chelicerae): One of two appendages at the front of the {{gli|carapace}}, made up of basal portion, the {{gli|paturon}}, and the {{gli|fang}};{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|pp=15, 18}} sometimes called the jaw; see also Chelicerae

* {{anchor|cheliceral furrow}}'''Cheliceral furrow''': A shallow groove on the basal portion of a {{gli|chelicera}} accommodating the {{gli|fang}}, usually having {{gli|teeth}} on its margins{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=15}}

* {{anchor|cheliceral tooth}}'''Cheliceral tooth''': A tooth-like extension on the margin of the {{gli|cheliceral furrow}}{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=21}}

* {{anchor|chilum}}'''Chilum''': A small hardened plate (sclerite) at the base of the {{gli|chelicera|chelicerae}}, under the {{gli|clypeus}}{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=21}}

* '''Claw''': see {{gli|tarsal claw}}

* {{anchor|claw tuft}}'''Claw tuft''': A dense group of hairs or bristles (setae) underneath the paired {{gli|tarsal claw|tarsal claws}}, usually well developed in hunting spiders{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=15}}

[[File:Kaldari Habronattus coecatus male 01 cropped.jpg|thumb|right|The clypeus of this jumping spider is covered with red scales.]] * {{anchor|clypeus}}'''Clypeus''': The area of the {{gli|carapace}} between the anterior (frontmost) {{gli|eyes}} and the anterior edge of the carapace{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=15}}

* {{anchor|colulus}}'''Colulus''': A short protuberance in the middle of the underside of the {{gli|abdomen}} in front of the {{gli|spinneret|spinnerets}}, considered to be a modification of the {{gli|cribellum}}{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=15}}

* '''Conductor''': see {{gli|palpal bulb}}

* {{anchor|copulatory duct}}{{anchor|copulation duct}}'''Copulatory duct''': An internal tube (duct) from the {{gli|copulatory opening}} through which sperm enters the female; separate from the duct through which fertilized eggs pass in entelegyne spiders{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|pp=230–231}}

* {{anchor|copulatory opening}}'''Copulatory opening''': An opening in the ventral {{gli|abdomen}} of female spiders; in entelegyne spiders, a double opening in the {{gli|epigyne}} through which the {{gli|embolus}} is inserted; in haplogyne spiders, a single opening through which male {{gli|palpal bulb}} is inserted{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=15}}

* '''Coxa''': see {{gli|segments}}

* {{anchor|crenulate}}'''Crenulate''': Having longitudinal ridges{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=21}}

* {{anchor|cribellum}}'''Cribellum''': A sieve-like plate in front of the {{gli|spinneret|spinnerets}}, used in conjunction with the {{gli|calamistrum}}; spiders with a cribellum are called '''cribellate''', those without '''ecribellate''';{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|pp=14–15}} see also Cribellum

* {{anchor|cuspule}}'''Cuspule''': A small spiny outgrowth ("wart") on the {{gli|endite|endites}} and {{gli|labium}} of Mygalomorphae{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=21}}

* {{anchor|cymbium}}'''Cymbium''' (plural cymbia): The end part of the {{gli|tarsus}} of the {{gli|pedipalp}} in a mature male, usually hollowed out and bearing the {{gli|palpal bulb}}{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=15}}

===D=== * {{anchor|dionychous}}'''Dionychous''': With two {{gli|tarsal claw|claws}} on the {{gli|tarsus}} of each leg;{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=15}} a feature of spiders in the clade Dionycha

* '''Dorsal groove''': see {{gli|fovea}}

* {{anchor|dorsum}}{{anchor|dorsal}}'''Dorsum''': The upper (dorsal) portion or surface of the body or {{gli|abdomen}}; the adjective '''dorsal''' may be applied to the upper portion or surface of any part of the body; see {{gli|ventrum}}

===E=== * '''Ecribellate''': see {{gli|cribellum}}

* '''Embolus''': see {{gli|palpal bulb}}

* '''Endite''': see {{gli|maxilla}}

* {{anchor|endosternite}}'''Endosternite''': An internal hardened plate (sclerite){{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=22}}

* {{anchor|entelegyne}}'''Entelegyne''': A spider whose female has an {{gli|epigyne}} and separate ducts leading to {{gli|spermatheca|spermathecae}} for sperm storage and to the uterus for fertilization,{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=15}} creating a "flow-through" system; see {{gli|haplogyne}}; see also Entelegynae

* {{anchor|epigastric furrow}}'''Epigastric furrow''' or '''epigastric fold''': A transverse slit towards the front (anterior) of underside of the {{gli|abdomen}}; the front pair of {{gli|book lungs}} open at the edge of this furrow as do the genital openings ({{gli|gonopore|gonopores}}){{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=17}}

* {{anchor|epigyne}}{{anchor|epigynum}}'''Epigyne''' or '''epigynum''' (plural epigynes): A hardened plate on the underside of the female {{gli|abdomen}} in which the {{gli|copulatory opening|copulatory openings}} are located; only fully developed in mature females of {{gli|entelegyne}} spiders;{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=15}} see also Epigyne

* {{anchor|eyes}}{{anchor|eye}}'''Eyes''': The basic number of eyes is eight, typically arranged in two rows (e.g. as in Gnaphosidae); the front row are the '''anterior eyes''', the row behind the '''posterior eyes'''; the four eyes to the edges are the '''lateral eyes''', the four eyes in the centre the '''median eyes'''; the anterior median eyes are called the '''main eyes''' or '''direct eyes''', while the other eyes are called the '''secondary eyes''' or '''indirect eyes'''; the number of eyes, their sizes and arrangement varies widely and is characteristic of spider families; see {{gli|main eye}}, {{gli|secondary eye}}

===F=== * '''Falx''' (plural falces): A dated term for {{gli|chelicera}}

* {{anchor|fang}}'''Fang''': The final hinged part of the {{gli|chelicera}}, normally folded down into a groove in the basal part of the chelicera; venom is injected via an opening near the tip of the fang{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|p=21}}

* '''Femur''': see {{gli|segments}}

* {{anchor|fertilization duct}}'''Fertilization duct''': A duct in female {{gli|entelegyne}} spiders leading from the {{gli|spermatheca|spermathecae}} to the uterus{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=17}}

thumb|right|''Larinioides cornutus'' spider showing folium on abdomen * {{anchor|folium}}'''Folium''': A broad leaf-like marking along the medial line of the top of the {{gli|abdomen}}

* {{anchor|fossa}}'''Fossa''' (plural fossae): A pit or depression, typically in the {{gli|epigyne}}{{sfnp|Ubick|Paquin|Cushing|Roth|2009|p=265}}

* {{anchor|fovea}}'''Fovea''' (also called '''thoracic furrow''' or '''dorsal groove'''): A depression or pit in the centre of the {{gli|carapace}} of a spider marking an inward projection of the exoskeleton to which stomach muscles are attached{{sfnp|Roberts|1995|pp=13–14}}{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|pp=17–18}}

===G=== * '''Genital opening''': see {{gli|gonopore}}

* '''Gnathocoxa''': see {{gli|maxilla}}

* {{anchor|gonopore}}'''Gonopore''': The genital opening; located in the epigastric furrow; the opening of the duct from the uterus in females and from the testes in males;{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=22}} see also Gonopore

* '''Gravid''': A fertilised female with an enlarged abdomen section right before egg laying has begun.

===H=== * '''Haematodocha''' (also spelled '''hematodocha'''): see {{gli|palpal bulb}}

* {{anchor|haplogyne}}'''Haplogyne''': A spider whose female lacks an {{gli|epigyne}} and in which the same ducts are used to transport sperm to the uterus and to the {{gli|spermatheca|spermathecae}};{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=16}} see {{gli|entelegyne}}; see also Haplogynae

* {{anchor|heart mark}}'''Heart mark''': A narrow marking along the top of the {{gli|abdomen}} roughly corresponding to the location of the heart {{anchor|I}}{{anchor|J}}{{anchor|K}}

===L=== * {{anchor|labio-sternum mound}}'''Labio-sternum mound''': A mound separating the {{gli|labium}} from the {{gli|sternum}}, found in some tarantulas, where it can be a diagnostic feature{{sfnp|Smith|1990}}

* {{anchor|labium}}'''Labium''' (plural labia): A hardened plate (sclerite) between the {{gli|maxilla|maxillae}} at the front of the {{gli|sternum}};{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=17}} see also Arthropod mouthparts: Labium

* '''Labrum''': see {{gli|rostrum}}

* {{anchor|lamella characteristica}}'''Lamella characteristica''' or just '''lamella''': a sheet-like {{gli|sclerite}} on the {{gli|palpal bulb}} of many Linyphiidae species<ref name=NentBlicBosmGloo25>{{Cite web |last1=Nentwig |first1=W. |last2=Blick |first2=T. |last3=Bosmans |first3=R. |last4=Gloor |first4=D |last5=Hänggi |first5=A. |last6=Kropf |first6=C. |date=2025 |title=Glossary |website=araneae Spiders of Europe |url=https://araneae.nmbe.ch/glossary |access-date=2025-11-29 |name-list-style=amp }}</ref>

* {{anchor|lateral}}'''Lateral''' (applied to appendages): Viewed from above or below, the sides of the leg or {{gli|pedipalp}}, i.e. the surfaces parallel to the line of sight; see {{gli|prolateral}}, {{gli|retrolateral}}

* {{anchor|laterigrade}}'''Laterigrade''': With legs directed to the side, hence appearing like and moving like a crab;{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=23}} see {{gli|prograde}}

* {{anchor|leg formula}}'''Leg formula''': The legs are numbered from the front from I to IV; the relative length of the legs can be represented by four numbers from the longest to the shortest; e.g. 1423 = first leg (leg I) is longest and third leg (leg III) is shortest{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=23}}

* '''Leg parts or segments''': see {{gli|segments}}

* {{anchor|lorum}}'''Lorum''': A set of {{gli|sclerite|sclerites}} covering the dorsal surface of the {{gli|pedicel}}.{{sfnp|Ubick|Paquin|Cushing|Roth|2009|p=267}}

===M=== * {{anchor|main eye}}'''Main eye''': One of the two anterior median eyes (AME) that have the light-detecting units (rhabdomeres) pointing towards the source; particularly enlarged in the families Salticidae and Thomisidae;{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|pp=102–103}} see {{gli|secondary eye}}, {{gli|eyes}}

* {{anchor|mastidion}}'''Mastidion''' (plural mastidia): A projection or bump on the chelicerae (not to be confused with {{gli|teeth}})

* {{anchor|maxilla}}{{anchor|endite}}{{anchor|gnathocoxa}}'''Maxilla''' (plural maxillae; also called '''endite''' or '''gnathocoxa'''): Modified {{gli|coxa}} of the {{gli|pedipalp}}, used in feeding;{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|pp=17–18}}{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=15}} not the structure called by this name in other arthropods, for which see Maxilla (arthropod mouthpart)

* '''Metatarsus''': see {{gli|segments}}

===O=== * {{anchor|ocular area}}'''Ocular area''' or '''ocular quadrangle''': The area of the {{gli|carapace}} which includes the {{gli|eyes}}. * {{anchor|operculum}}'''Operculum''' or '''branchial operculum''' (plural opercula): One of the plates on the {{gli|venter|ventral}} surface of the {{gli|abdomen}}, just in front of the {{gli|epigastric furrow}}, covering the {{gli|book lung|book lungs}}, often pale, yellow or orange in colour; two pairs in Mygalomorphae, one pair in other spiders{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=20}}

* '''Opisthosoma''': see {{gli|abdomen}}

===P=== * '''Palp''': see {{gli|pedipalp}}

thumb|upright=1.5|Highly simplified and stylized diagram of the main parts of an inflated palpal bulb, based loosely on Coddington (1990);<ref name=Codd90>{{citation |mode=cs1 |last=Coddington |first=J.A. |year=1990 |title=Ontogeny and homology in the male palpus of orb-weaving spiders and their relatives, with comments on phylogeny (Araneoclada: Araneoidea, Deinopoidea) |journal=Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology |volume=496 |issue=496 |pages=1–52 |doi=10.5479/si.00810282.496 |postscript=. Figs 5–8}}</ref> hardened parts shown darker, membranous parts shown lighter

* {{anchor|palpal bulb}}{{anchor|bulbus}}{{anchor|palpal organ}}'''Palpal bulb''' (also called '''bulbus''', '''palpal organ''', '''genital bulb'''): The copulatory organ of the male spider, carried on the modified last segment of the {{gli|pedipalp}}, used to transfer sperm to the female;{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|pp=226–227}} see also Palpal bulb

:* {{anchor|conductor}}'''Conductor''': A part of the palpal bulb that accompanies and supports the embolus{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=15}}

:* {{anchor|embolus}}'''Embolus''': The final part of the palpal bulb containing the end of the sperm duct, usually thin, sharp-tipped and strongly hardened (sclerotized){{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=15}}

:* {{anchor|haematodocha}}'''Haematodocha''' (plural haematodochae): A membranous, inflatable part of the palpal bulb{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=17}}

:* {{anchor|median apophysis}}'''Median apophysis''': A projection (apophysis) of the palpal bulb, below the conductor

:* {{anchor|subtegulum}}'''Subtegulum''': A hardened part of the palpal bulb nearer its base than the tegulum

:* {{anchor|tegulum}}'''Tegulum''': The main hardened part of the palpal bulb

* {{anchor|paracymbium}}'''Paracymbium''': An outgrowth of the {{gli|cymbium}} on the male {{gli|pedipalp}}{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|pp=18–19}}

* '''Patella''': see {{gli|segments}}

* {{anchor|paturon}}'''Paturon''': The basal segment of a {{gli|chelicera}} to which the {{gli|fang}} connects{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=18}}

* {{anchor|pedicel}}{{anchor|petiolus}}'''Pedicel''' or '''petiolus''': The narrow connection between the {{gli|cephalothorax}} and {{gli|abdomen}}{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=18}}

* {{anchor|pedipalp}}'''Pedipalp''' (plural pedipalps or pedipalpi; also called just palp): The second appendage of the {{gli|cephalothorax}} in front of the first leg; bears the {{gli|palpal bulb}} in male spiders;{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=17}} see {{gli|segments}}, see also Pedipalp

* {{anchor|plumose}}'''Plumose''': Used to describe hairs ({{gli|seta|setae}}) having outgrowths or appendages on two sides, giving a feather-like appearance; the appendages vary in number, size and arrangement<ref name=ZakhOvts15>{{Citation |mode=cs1 |last1=Zakharov |first1=Boris |last2=Ovtsharenko |first2=Vladimir |date=2015 |title=The covering setae of ground spiders (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) |journal=Arachnologische Mitteilungen |volume=49 |pages=34–46 |doi=10.5431/aramit4904 |url=http://www.european-arachnology.org/wdp/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/AM49_34-46_Zakharov2.pdf |access-date=2017-09-28 |name-list-style=amp |archive-date=2017-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928193533/http://www.european-arachnology.org/wdp/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/AM49_34-46_Zakharov2.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

* {{anchor|pluridentate}}'''Pluridentate''': Having multiple {{gli|teeth}}

* {{anchor|postembryo}}'''Postembryo''' (also called '''larva'''): The stage of development between hatching from the egg and first molting

* {{anchor|preening brush}}{{anchor|preening comb}}'''Preening brush''': a dense cluster of {{gli|seta|setae}} near the {{gli|ventral}} tip of the posterior {{gli|metatarsus|metatarsi}}; called a '''preening comb''' when present as a transverse row of setae.{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=18}}

* {{anchor|procurved}}'''Procurved''': Used to describe a structure which is curved in such a way that the outer edges are in front of the central part;{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=18}} opposite {{gli|recurved}}

* {{anchor|prolateral}}'''Prolateral''': Viewed from above or below, the side of a leg or {{gli|pedipalp}} nearest the mouth, i.e. the side facing forward; opposite {{gli|retrolateral}} (includes diagram)

* {{anchor|promarginal}}'''Promarginal''': The side of the {{gli|cheliceral furrow}} facing forward; particularly used for describing {{gli|teeth}}; opposite {{gli|retromarginal}}

* '''Prosoma''': see {{gli|cephalothorax}}

===R=== * {{anchor|rastellum}}'''Rastellum''' (plural rastella): An often rake-like structure at end of the {{gli|chelicera}} in mygalomorph spiders; used in burrowing{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=18}}

* {{anchor|rebordered}}'''Rebordered''': Having a thickened edge (i.e. border){{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=24}} (more rarely seen as '''reborded''', from the French {{lang|fr|rebordé}}, e.g. in Levy (1984)<ref name=Levy84>{{Citation |mode=cs1 |last1=Levy |first1=G. |date=1984 |title=The Spider Genera ''Singa'' and ''Hypsosinga'' (Araneae, Araneidae) in Israel |journal=Zoologica Scripta |volume=13 |issue=2 |pages=121–133 |doi=10.1111/j.1463-6409.1984.tb00029.x |s2cid=84218389 }}</ref>); particularly used of the {{gli|labium}}

thumb|upright=1.5|Terminology of appendage surfaces

* '''Receptaculum''' (plural receptacula): see {{gli|spermatheca}}

* {{anchor|recurved}}'''Recurved''': Used to describe a structure which is curved in such a way that the outer edges are behind the central part;{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=18}} opposite {{gli|procurved}}

* {{anchor|retrolateral}}'''Retrolateral''': Viewed from above or below, the side of a leg or {{gli|pedipalp}} furthest from the mouth, i.e. the side facing backwards; opposite {{gli|prolateral}}

* {{anchor|retrolateral tibial apophysis}}{{anchor|RTA}}'''Retrolateral tibial apophysis''': A backward-facing projection on the tibia of the male {{gli|pedipalp}}; distinguishing feature of the RTA clade

* {{anchor|retromarginal}}'''Retromarginal''': The side of the {{gli|cheliceral furrow}} facing backward (towards the posterior end of the spider); particularly used for describing {{gli|teeth}}; opposite {{gli|promarginal}}

* {{anchor|rostrum}}{{anchor|labrum}}'''Rostrum''' (also called '''labrum'''): A component (the "upper lip") of the mouthparts, concealed by the {{gli|chelicera|chelicerae}};{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=17}} see also Arthropod mouthparts: Labrum

===S=== * {{anchor|scape}}'''Scape''': An elongated process or appendage of some {{gli|epigyne|epigyne}}{{sfnp|Ubick|Paquin|Cushing|Roth|2009|p=271}}

* {{anchor|sclerite}}'''Sclerite''': A single hardened (sclerotized) part of the external covering (tegument, exoskeleton){{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=24}}

* {{anchor|scopula}}'''Scopula''' (plural scopulae): A brush of hairs (setae); called a {{gli|claw tuft}} when on the end of the foot (tarsus), where it improves adhesion{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=18}}{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|p=27}}

* {{anchor|scutum}}'''Scutum''' (plural scuta): A hardened (sclerotized) plate on the {{gli|abdomen}} of some spiders

* {{anchor|secondary eye}}'''Secondary eye''': An eye belonging to the three pairs – anterior lateral eyes (ALE), posterior median eyes (PME) and posterior lateral eyes (PLE) – that are primarily movement detectors and have the light-detecting units (rhabdomeres) pointing away from the source;{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|pp=103–104}} see {{gli|main eye}}, {{gli|eyes}} thumb|upright=1.25|Pedipalp and leg of a female spider from the underside; the coxa of the pedipalp is heavily modified to form the maxilla

* {{anchor|segments}}'''Segments''' or articles of the legs and {{gli|pedipalp|pedipalps}}:

:* {{anchor|coxa}}'''Coxa''' (plural coxae): First leg segment, between body and trochanter; the coxa of the {{gli|pedipalp}} is heavily modified to form the {{gli|maxilla}} or endite

:* {{anchor|trochanter}}'''Trochanter''': Second leg segment, between coxa and femur

:* {{anchor|femur}}'''Femur''' (plural femora): Third leg segment, between trochanter and patella

:* {{anchor|patella}}'''Patella''' (plural patellae): Fourth leg segment, between femur and tibia

:* {{anchor|tibia}}'''Tibia''' (plural tibiae): Fifth leg segment, between patella and metatarsus

:* {{anchor|metatarsus}}'''Metatarsus''' (plural metatarsi; also called basitarsus): Sixth leg segment, between tibia and tarsus; absent in the {{gli|pedipalp}}

:* {{anchor|tarsus}}'''Tarsus''' (plural tarsi; also called telotarsus): Seventh (last) leg segment, after the metatarsus

* {{anchor|serrula}}'''Serrula''': A row of tiny teeth along the edge of the {{gli|maxilla}}

* {{anchor|seta}}'''Seta''' (plural setae): A bristle;{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=18}} spiders have a variety of hair-like structures of increasing size that are referred to as hairs, bristles (setae) or {{gli|spine|spines}}{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|pp=84–101}}

* {{anchor|sigillum}}'''Sigillum''' (plural sigilla): A circular indentation on the outside of the spider, showing where an internal muscle is attached;{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|pp=41, 43}} particularly on the {{gli|sternum}} in some Mygalomorphae and on the {{gli|dorsum}} in some Araneomorphae{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=18}}

* {{anchor|sperm duct}}'''Sperm duct''': A duct in the male {{gli|palpal bulb}} used to store sperm{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=18}}

* {{anchor|spermatheca}}{{anchor|receptulacum}}'''Spermatheca''' (plural spermathecae; also called '''receptulacum''', receptulacum seminis): A structure in the {{gli|abdomen}} of female spiders used to store sperm after insemination and before fertilization;{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=18}} see also Spermatheca

* {{anchor|spigot}}'''Spigot''': A small pointed or cylindrical structure at the tip of a {{gli|spinneret}} from which silk emerges{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=18}}

* {{anchor|spine}}'''Spine''': A pointed, rigid structure on body and legs, usually with a basal joint;{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=19}} spiders have a variety of hair-like structures of increasing size that are referred to as hairs, bristles (setae) or spines{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|pp=84–101}}

* {{anchor|spinneret}}'''Spinneret''': An appendage borne on the {{gli|abdomen}}, typically one of six arranged in three pairs: anterior (anterior median, AMS), median (posterior median, PMS) and posterior (posterior lateral, PLS); silk emerges from small {{gli|spigot|spigots}} on the spinnerets;{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=19}}{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=20}} see also Spinneret

* {{anchor|sternum}}'''Sternum''': The lower (ventral) portion of the {{gli|cephalothorax}}

* {{anchor|stridulating organ}}'''Stridulating organ''': A series of thin ridges on a hardened part of the body; rubbing this with a matching series of short, stiff bristles (setae) elsewhere on the body creates a sound{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=19}}

* {{anchor|subadult}}'''Subadult''': A spider in the last stage of development (penultimate instar) before becoming a sexually mature adult

* '''Subtegulum''': see {{gli|palpal bulb}}

===T=== * {{anchor|tapetum}}'''Tapetum''' (plural tapeta): A light-reflecting layer in a {{gli|secondary eye}} making the eye appear pale{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=19}}

* {{anchor|tarsal claw}}'''Tarsal claw''' (claw): One of a set of claws at the tip of the {{gli|tarsus}}; there may be a single pair, often concealed in a {{gli|claw tuft}}, or an additional third central claw, much smaller than the other two{{sfnp|Saaristo|2010|p=19}}

* {{anchor|tarsal organ}}'''Tarsal organ''': a small pit, usually spherical and on the {{gli|dorsal}} surface of each {{gli|tarsus}}, believed to respond to humidity{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|p=36}}

* '''Tarsus''': see {{gli|segments}}

* {{anchor|teeth}}'''Teeth''': Pointed growths or bumps along the margins of the {{gli|cheliceral furrow}}

* '''Tegulum''': see {{gli|palpal bulb}}

* '''Thoracic furrow''': see {{gli|fovea}}

* '''Tibia''': see {{gli|segments}}

* {{anchor|trachea}}{{anchor|tracheal spiracle}}'''Trachea''' (plural tracheae): A thin hardened internal tube, part of the respiratory system in many araneomorph spiders; opens on the underside of the {{gli|abdomen}} via a '''tracheal spiracle''';{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=26}} see Trachea § Invertebrates

* {{anchor|trichobothrium}} '''Trichobothrium''' (plural trichobothria): A slender hair-like structure of variable length on the legs and {{gli|pedipalps}}, arising from a special socket; used to detect air movements, including sounds;{{sfnp|Foelix|2011|pp=89–92}} see {{gli|seta}}, {{gli|spine}}

* '''Trochanter''': see {{gli|segments}}

===U=== * {{anchor|unidentate}}'''Unidentate''': Having a single tooth {{anchor|W}}{{anchor|X}}{{anchor|Y}}{{anchor|Z}}

===V=== * {{anchor|venter}}{{anchor|ventrum}}{{anchor|ventral}}'''Venter''' (or '''ventrum'''): The lower (ventral) portion or surface of the body or {{gli|abdomen}}; the adjective '''ventral''' may be applied to the lower portion or surface of any part of the body; see {{gli|dorsum}} * {{anchor|vulva}}'''Vulva''': The internal copulatory organs of a female spider, including the {{gli|copulatory duct|copulatory ducts}}, {{gli|spermatheca|spermathecae}}, and {{gli|fertilization duct|fertilization ducts}}{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=26}}

==Abbreviations== Some abbreviations commonly found in descriptions of spider anatomy include:

*{{anchor|ALE}}'''ALE''': anterior lateral eyes{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=20}} → {{gli|eyes}} *{{anchor|ALS}}'''ALS''': anterior lateral spinnerets → {{gli|spinneret}} *{{anchor|AME}}'''AME''': anterior median eyes{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=20}} → {{gli|eyes}} *{{anchor|DTA}}'''DTA''': dorsal tegular apophysis, {{gli|apophysis}} on the back of the {{gli|tegulum}} *{{anchor|DTiA}}'''DTiA''': dorsal tibial apophysis, {{gli|apophysis}} on the back of a {{gli|tibia}} *{{anchor|ITC}}'''ITC''': inferior tarsal claw → {{gli|tarsal claw}} *{{anchor|LTA}}'''LTA''': lateral tegular apophysis'', apophysis'' on the side of the {{gli|tegulum}} *{{anchor|MOQ}}'''MOQ''': median ocular quadrangle, the quadrangle formed by the four median eyes,{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=23}} → {{gli|eyes}} *{{anchor|PLE}}'''PLE''': posterior lateral eyes{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=24}} → {{gli|eyes}} *{{anchor|PLS}}'''PLS''': posterior lateral spinnerets → {{gli|spinneret}} *{{anchor|PME}}'''PME''': posterior median eyes{{sfnp|Jocqué|Dippenaar-Schoeman|2007|p=24}} → {{gli|eyes}} *{{anchor|PMS}}'''PMS''': posterior median spinnerets → {{gli|spinneret}} *{{anchor|RCF}}'''RCF''': retrolateral cymbial fold, fold on the {{gli|retrolateral}} surface of the {{gli|cymbium}} *{{anchor|RTA}}'''RTA''': retrolateral tibial apophysis, {{gli|apophysis}} on the {{gli|retrolateral}} surface of a {{gli|tibia}} *{{anchor|STC}}'''STC''': superior tarsal claw → {{gli|tarsal claw}} *{{anchor|VTA}}'''VTA''': ventral tegular apophysis, {{gli|apophysis}} on the underside of the {{gli|tegulum}} *{{anchor|VTiA}}'''VTiA''': ventral tibial apophysis, {{gli|apophysis}} on the lower surface of a {{gli|tibia}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==Bibliography== *{{cite book |title=The Spider Book |first=John Henry |last=Comstock |publisher=Doubleday, Page & Company |year=1920 |orig-year=First published 1912 }} *{{Cite book |last=Foelix |first=Rainer F. |year=2011 |title=Biology of Spiders |edition=3rd p/b |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-973482-5 }} *{{Cite book |last1=Jocqué |first1=R. |last2=Dippenaar-Schoeman |first2=A.S. |date=2007 |title=Spider Families of the World |edition=2nd |publication-place=Tervuren (Belgium) |publisher=Royal Museum for Central Africa |url=https://www.africamuseum.be/sites/default/files/media/docs/research/publications/rmca/online/zoology-documentation/spider-families_of_the_world.pdf |access-date=2019-07-04 |name-list-style=amp }} *{{Cite book |last=Roberts |first=Michael J. |year=1995 |title=Spiders of Britain & Northern Europe |publication-place=London |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=978-0-00-219981-0 }} *{{Cite book |last1=Saaristo |first1=M.I. |date=2010 |contribution=Araneae |editor1-last=Gerlach |editor1-first=J. |editor2-last=Marusik |editor2-first=Y. |title=Arachnida and Myriapoda of the Seychelles Islands |pages=8–306 |publication-place=Manchester, UK |publisher=Siri Scientific Press |isbn=978-0-9558636-8-4 |name-list-style=amp }} *{{Cite book |last=Smith |first=A.M. |date=1990 |title=Baboon spiders: Tarantulas of Africa and the Middle East |publisher=Fitzgerald Publishing |publication-place=London }} *{{cite book |editor1-last=Ubick |editor1-first=Darrell |editor2-last=Paquin |editor2-first=Pierre |editor3-last=Cushing |editor3-first=Paula E. |editor4-last=Roth |editor4-first=Vincent |title=Spiders of North America: An Identification Manual |date=2009 |publisher=American Arachnological Society |isbn=978-0977143900 |edition=1st }}

Category:Arachnology Spider terms Category:Wikipedia glossaries using unordered lists