chelicera
/kəˈlɪs(ə)rə
/noun (plural chelicerae /kəˈlɪs(ə)riː/) 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 chela1.The front pair of appendages, the chelicerae, are the ones which contain the poison glands....
- The chelicerae (first appendages) may be clawed mouthparts or may be modified for piercing, as in ticks.
- The legs, pedipalps and chelicerae are pulled free from the skin with rhythmic movements until finally the spider pulls free.
Derivatives
cheliceral
- They have no cheliceral teeth and their prey is consequently not mashed but sucked dry.
- However, hairs were also a problem in some cases, obscuring the epigynum and cheliceral teeth.
- 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.
Origin
Mid 19th century: modern Latin, from Greek khēlē 'claw' + keras 'horn'.