A projecting process or appendage extending from the genital or reproductive segment of arthropods, used in reproduction or egg-laying.
From gon- (Greek gonos 'reproduction') + apophysis (Greek apo 'off, away' + phyein 'to grow'). This anatomical term literally describes growths extending from reproductive regions.
Female insects have these special spike-like gonapophyses that act like drills or saws—some can pierce through wood or tough plant stems to deposit eggs in exactly the right spot!
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