Chelicerata
- Pronunciation
- /keh-lih-SER-uh-tuh/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Chelicerate
- Plural
- Chelicerates
Definition
A subphylum of arthropods that includes arachnids (such as spiders and scorpions), horseshoe crabs, and sea spiders, characterized by having chelicerae, which are specialized mouthparts.
Etymology
From New Latin, derived from the Greek words 'chele', meaning 'claw', and 'keras', meaning 'horn'.
Example
Members of the Chelicerata subphylum, like spiders, possess chelicerae which they use to grasp and often inject venom into their prey.
Related Terms
- Arachnids
- Horseshoe crabs
- Sea spiders
- Chelicerae
Usage Notes
Chelicerates differ from other arthropods in that they do not have antennae. Instead, their first pair of appendages are the chelicerae.