Chela (organ)

For other uses, see Chela.

Uca pugnax, like other members of the family Ocypodidae, have chelae of different sizes: a large left chela and a small right chela.

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

See also

• Pincer (biology)