Pectines 5207246 133313157 2007-05-25T01:38:24Z 71.237.136.225 '''Pectines''' are peculiar appendages characteristic of the [[scorpion]]s, which have derived from the first book gills of the [[Xiphosura]]. After detailed studies of their ennervations, it has been suggested that the pectines act as both [[mechanoreceptors]] and [[chemoreceptors]]. The back of pectines is made of three pieces, the proximal part being the longest and the middle one the shortest. The number of teeth is different in different species and varies from four to over 30. Using pectines, the [[scorpion]]s can: * detect food * hold the female close to a male in [[mating]] * clean the body and limbs * detect vibrations of the ground, warning of the approach of enemies or [[prey]] * determine whether the ground is smooth enough or hard enough for depositing [[spermatophore]]s == References == * Brusca, R. & Brusca, G., 2002. Invertebrates. Second edition. Sinauer. Massachusetts. 936pp. * Savory, T., 1977. Arachnida. Second edition. Academic Press INC. New York. 339pp. {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Animal anatomy]]