Pedipalps

Pedipalps are segmented appendages attached to the cephalothorax of arachnids. The structure of the pedipalps varies between organisms. In scorpions, the pedipalps end in the Chelae; the structures most people refer to as claws or pincers. They are often used for capturing or holding prey.

In adult female and juvenile spiders the pedipalps resemble a smaller pair of walking legs. In the adult males the tips of the pedipalps are greatly enlarged and are used in mating. The males transfer sperm from their genital opening into the pedipalps. The pedipalps are then used to transfer sperm to the female.

Although not pedipalps, insect have movable appendages that form part of the labium and the maxilla that are also known as palps. These small, segmented appendages help in feeding by holding or manipulating the food being eaten.

A photograph of a female Mexican Red-kneed tarantula Brachypelma smithii. The pedipalps are the appendages that look like small legs at the front of the animal.
Photograph by HTO.

Other names for (or types of) Pedipalps include:

• Palps

Related terms

• Arachnid
• Cephalothorax
• Cerci
• Chelae
• Claw
• Distal
• Pseudoscorpion

Related groups of terms

• Invertebrate body structure

Related pages on this web site

• Arachnids

See other words beginning with P