Coenobita chela and cheliped

Chela (organ)

A chela /kˈiːlə/, also named claw, nipper or pincer, is a pincer-like organ terminating certain limbs of some arthropods.[1] The name comes from Greek (χηλή) through New Latin (chela). The plural form is chelae.[2] Legs bearing a chela are called chelipeds.[3] Another name is claw because most chelae are curved and have a sharp point like a claw.

Also called pincer or pincher.

Coenobita cheliped pincer claw

Coenobita cheliped pincer claw

Coenobita cheliped pincer claw

Coenobita cheliped pincer claw

Coenobita cheliped pincer claw

Coenobita cheliped pincer claw

Coenobita cheliped pincer claw

C. brevimanus large cheliped

Photo Credit: Marnel Rodriguez

Photo Credit: Marnel Rodriguez

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Overview of the anatomy of a land hermit crab (Coenobita)

Photo Credits:
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References
1 Dean Pentcheff. “Chela“. Crustacea glossary. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Retrieved November 28, 2011.
2 George Gordh, Gordon Gordh & David Headrick (2003). A Dictionary of Entomology. CAB International. p. 182. ISBN 978-0-85199-655-4.
3 Dean Pentcheff. “Cheliped”. Crustacea glossary. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Retrieved November 28, 2011.