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Pectine

a "V"-shaped comb-like appendage on the abdomen of a scorpion that has sensory functions.

Pectines are peculiar appendages characteristic of the scorpions, 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 (a sensory receptor that responds to mechanical pressure or distortion) and chemoreceptors (also known as chemoreceptor, is a sensory receptor that transduces a chemical signal into an action potential).

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 scorpions 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 spermatophores

References

• Brusca, R. & Brusca, G., 2002. Invertebrates. Second edition. Sinauer. Massachusetts. 936pp.
• Savory, T., 1977. Arachnida. Second edition. Academic Press INC. New York. 339pp.

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