Urticating Hair

Urticating Hair

Urticating bristles, i.e. irritating bristles, are one of the primary defense mechanisms used by numerous plants, some New World tarantulas, and various lepidopteran caterpillars. Urtica is Latin for "nettle", and bristles that urticate are characteristic of this type of plant, and many other plants in several families. This term also refers to certain types of barbed bristles that cover the dorsal and posterior surface of a tarantula's or caterpillar's abdomen. Many tarantula species will frequently kick bristles off of their abdomens, directing them toward potential attackers. These bristles can embed themselves in the other animal's skin or eyes, thus inducing physical irritation.