Chelae

The chelae (singular: chela) are pincers or claws at the end of appendages in arachnids or crustaceans. The most well know examples of chelae are the pincers in lobsters, crabs and scorpions.

Emperor Scorpion - Pandinus imperator. The large chelae on the end of the pedipalps are clearly visible.

Although chelae are often called pincers; sometimes cerci are also referred to as pincers.

Other names for (or types of) Chelae include:

• Palpal chelae
• Pincers

Related terms

• Cerci
• Claw
• Distal
• Pedipalps
• Pseudoscorpion
• Scorpion

Related groups of terms

• Invertebrate body structure

Related pages on this web site

• Arachnids
• Crustaceans
• Scorpion caresheet

See other words beginning with C