proleg
/ˈproʊlɛɡ/
noun
- A fleshy, leg-like structure on the abdomen of some insect larvae (such as caterpillars) that helps them grip surfaces and move.
- The insect's prolegs helped it crawl across the leaf without falling.
- Unlike true legs, a proleg has no joints and is mainly used for grasping.
- The caterpillar used its prolegs to cling tightly to the branch.