Chelicerae

/kəˈlɪsəri/ noun

Definition

Plural of chelicera; the paired fang-like appendages of arachnids such as spiders and scorpions.

Etymology

Latin/Greek plural form of 'chelicera,' following classical scientific naming conventions. The -ae ending is typical for Latin feminine plurals.

Kelly Says

When you see a spider with its front fangs raised, those are its chelicerae—and remarkably, they contain more sensory information than human fingertips, helping the spider 'taste' and 'feel' its prey.

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