Chiastomyaria

Definition

An infraorder of Mygalomorph spiders characterized by their spiral muscle organization in the chelicerae.

Etymology

From Greek 'chiasma', meaning 'crossing' or 'intersection', and 'myaria', derived from the Greek 'myo' for muscle.

Example

Chiastomyaria spiders are noted for the unique muscle arrangement in their fangs.

Related Terms

• Mygalomorphae
• Spiders
• Chelicerae

Usage Notes

The Chiastomyaria infraorder is greatly studied for their distinctive cheliceral muscle layout.