pulvillus
/pʌlˈvɪləs/
noun
- A small pad or cushion on the foot of an insect or other arthropod, used for gripping surfaces.
- Under the microscope, the pulvillus looked like a tiny sticky pad.
- The fly's pulvillus allows it to walk upside down on the ceiling.
- Each leg of the beetle ends in a pulvillus that helps it climb smooth leaves.