BugGuide Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada

Clickable Guide

Calendar

Upcoming Events

National Moth Week was July 19-27, and the Summer 2025 gathering in Louisiana, July 19-27

Photos of insects and people from the 2024 BugGuide gathering in Idaho July 24-27

Moth submissions from National Moth Week 2024

Photos of insects and people from the 2022 BugGuide gathering in New Mexico, July 20-24

Photos of insects and people from the Spring 2021 gathering in Louisiana, April 28-May 2

Photos of insects and people from the 2019 gathering in Louisiana, July 25-27

Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Glossary » C » cercus, cerci

cercus, cerci

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

No Taxon (Glossary)

No Taxon (C)

No Taxon cercus, cerci

Pronunciation

Varied--SUR-kus, or KER-kus, plural SUR-sye, SUR-kye, KUR-kee

Explanation of Names

From Greek, kerkos, tail.

Identification

cercus noun, plural cerci - typically paired appendages at the tip of the abdomen, usually having sensory functions. Cerci are often enlarged in males, and used in copulation. In some groups, such as earwigs, they are enlarged and used for defense.

Photos of cerci:

Print References

Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 177 (1)

Internet References

Answers.com--dictionary entry, helpful on pronunciation

Works Cited

1. A Dictionary of Entomology
George Gordh, David H. Headrick. 2003. CABI Publishing.

Contributed by Chuck Entz on 31 May, 2007 - 2:08am
Additional contributions by cotinis
Last updated 10 November, 2008 - 9:47am

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2025 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by:

Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology at Iowa State University logo

Printer Friendly Version Terms of Use
Privacy Statement
Site Map
Contact