Dewlap

Dewlap
An anole in Costa Rica repeatedly protracting and retracting its dewlap.
A Mastiff with a dewlap.
A Zebu with a large dewlap.

A dewlap is a longitudinal flap of skin that hangs beneath the lower jaw or neck of many vertebrates. While the term is usually used in this specific context, it can also be used to include other structures occurring in the same body area with a similar aspect, such as those caused by a double chin or the submandibular vocal sac of a frog. In a more general manner, the term refers to any pendulous mass of skin, such as a fold of loose skin on an elderly person's neck, or the wattle of a bird.

Many mammals such as dogs, rabbits and moose possess dewlaps. Many birds also have dewlaps, such as domestic chickens, some cracids and some guans. In zebu cattle, the dewlap is colloquially known as the "briefcase folds".

Many reptiles have dewlaps, most notably the anole species of lizard, which have large skin dewlaps which they can extend and retract. These dewlaps are usually of a different color from the rest of their body and when enlarged they make the lizard seem much bigger than it really is, used primarily when warding off predators and for males to attract females during the mating season. Lizards which have mobile dewlaps usually accompany their dewlap movement with head bobs and other displays. Scientists[who?] are unsure about what this is meant to communicate, but it is prevalent when the lizards are courting.

See also

References

  • Weldon Owen Pty Ltd. (1993). Encyclopedia of animals - Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians. Reader's Digest Association, Inc. ISBN 1875137491.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Dewlap — Dew lap , n. [Dew + lap to lick.] 1. The pendulous skin under the neck of an ox, which laps or licks the dew in grazing. [1913 Webster] 2. The flesh upon the human throat, especially when with age. [Burlesque] [1913 Webster] On her withered… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • dewlap — mid 14c., dewe lappe, from lappe loose piece (O.E. læppa), first element of unknown origin or meaning. Originally of cattle …   Etymology dictionary

  • dewlap — ► NOUN ▪ a fold of loose skin hanging from the neck or throat of an animal or bird, especially that present in many cattle …   English terms dictionary

  • dewlap — [do͞o′lap΄] n. [ME dewlappe: see DEW & LAP1] a loose fold of skin hanging from the throat of cattle and certain other animals, or a similar loose fold under the chin of a person dewlapped [do͞o′lapt΄, dyo͞o′lapt΄] adj …   English World dictionary

  • dewlap — UK [ˈdjuːˌlæp] / US [ˈduˌlæp] noun [countable] Word forms dewlap : singular dewlap plural dewlaps a hanging piece of loose skin under the neck of an animal …   English dictionary

  • dewlap — noun Date: 14th century 1. loose skin hanging under the neck of an animal see cow illustration 2. loose flesh on the human throat • dewlapped adjective …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • dewlap — dewlapped, adj. /dooh lap , dyooh /, n. 1. a pendulous fold of skin under the throat of a bovine animal. 2. any similar part in other animals, as the wattle of fowl or the inflatable loose skin under the throat of some lizards. [1350 1400; ME… …   Universalium

  • dewlap — noun /ˈdu.læp,ˈdju.læp,ˈdjuː.læp/ a) The pendulous skin under the neck of an ox, which laps or licks the dew in grazing, or a similar feature on any other animal. b) The sagging flesh on the human throat of an old person …   Wiktionary

  • dewlap — dew·lap d(y)ü .lap n loose skin hanging under the neck esp. of a bovine animal dew·lapped .lapt adj * * * dew·lap (dooґlap) a heavy fold of skin on the ventral aspect of the neck in animals …   Medical dictionary

  • dewlap — dew|lap [ du,læp ] noun count a hanging piece of loose skin under the neck of an animal …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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