The muscle-like structure in male insects (especially butterflies and moths) that anchors the chrysalis or pupae to the substrate.
From New Latin cremaster, from Latin cremastus (hanging), from Greek kremasthai (to hang). Named for its function in suspending the pupae during metamorphosis.
The cremaster is evolution's elegant solution to a dangerous moment—a caterpillar can't move, can't defend itself as it transforms, so natural selection gave it this anchor-like muscle just strong enough to hang securely for weeks.
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