Chela (organ)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Fiddler_crab.jpg/220px-Fiddler_crab.jpg)
Minuca pugnax, like other members of the family Ocypodidae, have chelae of different sizes: a large left chela and a small right chela.
A chela (/ˈkiːlə/), also named claw, nipper, or pincer, is a pincer-like organ at the end of certain limbs of some arthropods.[1] The name comes from Greek (χηλή) through New Latin (chela). The plural form is chelae.[2] Legs bearing a chela are called chelipeds.[3] Another name is claw because most chelae are curved and have a sharp point like a claw.
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References[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Crustacean chelipeds. |
- ^ Dean Pentcheff. "Chela". Crustacea glossary. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Archived from the original on August 16, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2011.
- ^ George Gordh, Gordon Gordh & David Headrick (2003). A Dictionary of Entomology. CAB International. p. 182. ISBN 978-0-85199-655-4.
- ^ Dean Pentcheff. "Cheliped". Crustacea glossary. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2011.
Categories:
- Arthropod anatomy
- Arthropod anatomy stubs