Plural of clitellum; the thickened reproductive segments on earthworms and some other annelids that produce a mucus-covered egg cocoon.
From Latin 'clitellae' (packsaddle), referring to saddle-like appearance. Biological term for worm anatomy.
Earthworms have a visible belt or saddle on their body—the clitella—and this is where all their reproductive magic happens, forming the iconic cocoons that protect their eggs and can survive freezing temperatures.
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