pro-leg Entom.
(ˈprəʊlɛg)
[f. pro-1 4 b + leg.]
One of the fleshy abdominal limbs or tubercles of the larvæ of some insects, e.g. of caterpillars; distinct from the true or thoracic legs.
| 1816 Kirby & Sp. Entomol. xxi. (1818) II. 237 They repose, holding strongly with their prolegs the branch on which they are standing. Ibid. 288 Since..they are temporary,..merely used as props to hinder its long body..from trailing on the ground..I shall therefore call them prolegs (propedes). 1839 Selby in Proc. Berw. Nat. Club I. No. 7. 202 It also possesses two fleshy tubercles or pro-legs. 1874 Lubbock Orig. & Met. Ins. i. 7 Larvæ..very much like caterpillars, having 3 pairs of legs, and..abdominal pro-legs as well. |