Abstract

The ecological phenomenon of arthropods with defensive hairs is widespread. These urticating hairs can be divided into three categories: true setae, which are detachable hairs in Lepidoptera and in New World tarantula spiders; modified setae, which are stiff hairs in lepidopteran larvae; and spines, which are complex and secretion-filled structures in lepidopteran larvae. This review focuses on the true setae because their high density on a large number of common arthropod species has great implications for human and animal health. Morphology and function, interactions with human tissues, epidemiology, and medical impact, including inflammation and allergy in relation to true setae, are addressed. Because data from epidemiological and other clinical studies are ambiguous with regard to frequencies of setae-caused allergic reactions, other mechanisms for setae-mediated disease are suggested. Finally, we briefly discuss current evidence for the adaptive and ecological significance of true setae.

Keywords

seta; Lepidoptera; spider; ecology; epidemiology; immunology

Published in

Annual Review of Entomology
2011, Volume: 56, pages: 203-220
ISBN: 978-0-8243-0156-9
Publisher: ANNUAL REVIEWS, 4139 EL CAMINO WAY, PO BOX 10139, PALO ALTO, CA 94303-0897 USA

SLU Authors

• Larsson, Stig

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Food Science
Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-ento-120709-144844

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/58251