Plural of cercus; the paired appendages extending from the posterior end of insects and some crustaceans, often used for sensing the environment.
Latin plural of cercus, which derives from Greek kerkos meaning 'tail.' These appendages are essentially tail-like structures used for sensory purposes.
Cerci are basically the insect world's version of whiskers—a cockroach can sense danger from air movements detected by its cerci faster than you can see it scurry away, which is why they're so hard to catch.
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