Definition of chelicera in English:
chelicera
nounPlural chelicerae kəˈlɪs(ə)rəkəˈlisərə
Zoology Either of a pair of appendages in front of the mouth in arachnids and some other arthropods, usually modified as pincer-like claws.
Compare with chela
Example sentencesExamples
- Although they have weak chelicerae, they secrete extremely potent venom, which enables them to attack insects 2-3 times their size.
- The front pair of appendages, the chelicerae, are the ones which contain the poison glands.
- The legs, pedipalps and chelicerae are pulled free from the skin with rhythmic movements until finally the spider pulls free.
- There is no eye streak above their anterior eyes, as seen in SR males, but the chelicerae are striped.
- The chelicerae (first appendages) may be clawed mouthparts or may be modified for piercing, as in ticks.
Derivatives
adjective
Zoology Considerable variation exists from population to population in the nature of the cheliceral covering, the color and extent of a ‘mustache’, and in male courtship behavior.
Example sentencesExamples
- Once the pedipalps are out of the way the cheliceral sheath is clearly visible and you can also see part of the toothed hypostome protruding anteriorly beyond the cheliceral sheath.
- However, hairs were also a problem in some cases, obscuring the epigynum and cheliceral teeth.
- They have no cheliceral teeth and their prey is consequently not mashed but sucked dry.
Origin
Mid 19th century: modern Latin, from Greek khēlē 'claw' + keras 'horn'.