What term describes the dense, short hairs covering the dark abdomen of the *Aphonopelma seemanni*?
Answer
Urticating hairs
The dark abdomen of the *Aphonopelma seemanni* serves a critical defensive function beyond its carapace structure. It is covered with dense, short hairs that are chemically irritating and barbed. These specialized structures are known specifically as urticating hairs. When the spider feels threatened, it employs its hind legs to vigorously flick these hairs away from the abdomen towards the threat. This action is the spider's primary chemical defense against non-venomous threats, causing irritation where they land or become embedded.
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