maxilliped
1
9.9
A short leg on crabs, lobsters, or shrimp used to hold food
- noun
- /ˈmæksɪlɪˌpɛd/
- Specialized
:
maxilípede
- In some species, the maxillipeds are modified to assist with feeding or cleaning the gills.
Examples
-
During feeding, the maxillipeds of the shrimp work to push food towards the mandibles.
-
Mandibles, secondary, maxillipeds.
-
The larvae wake up the following spring and draw nourishment from the sap, which they suck with their maxillipeds.
Academic text (2005) -
The crab uses its maxillipeds to help it grasp food and bring it to its mouth.
Synonyms
1
7.5
A part of an insect's mouth used for feeding
is a thoracic appendage behind the maxillae on decapod bodies used when feeding
9.9
A front limb on some sea animals with shells that helps hold and move food
is a paired thoracic appendage specific to decapod crustaceans used in feeding
Surface Forms
maxilliped singular
maxillipeds plural
Morphology
Etymology
The word maxilliped comes from Latin parts maxilla 'jaw' and ped 'foot', so it literally means 'jaw-foot'. That's why a maxilliped is a small, foot-like arm near a crab, shrimp, or lobster's jaws that helps hold and move food.