subchela

Claw where the dactyl and propodus of an appendage articulate at right angles to the long axis of the limb. Used incorrectly in euphausiids to describe grouping of setae that, with some imagination, form a claw [Mauchline, 1984].

Distal end of appendage developed as prehensile structure by folding back of dactyl against propodus or some broadened part of it; also may result from propodus folded back against carpus; e.g., gnathopod [McLaughlin, 1980].

Distal extremity of limb developed as prehensile structure by folding back of dactylus against propodus or broadened part of it (e.g., Stomatopoda); may compromise propodus folded back against carpus. (Syn. gnathopod) [Moore and McCormick, 1969].

Prehensile structure in family Crangonidae, where terminal segment (dactylus) folds back against the more robust penultimate segment (propodus) [Butler, T.H.].

(Order Tanaidacea):

Pincer-like structure at end of cheliped (first pereopod). Formed by terminal segment (dactylus) bearing down on next to last segment (propodus) [Stachowitsch, 1992].

(Order Decapoda):

Pincer-like structure formed by terminal segment of appendage (dactylus) bearing down on next to last segment (propodus). See: chela [Stachowitsch, 1992].

(Order Amphipoda):

Pincer-like structure of first two pereopod pairs (gnathopods). Formed by terminal segment (dactylus) bearing down on posterior margin (palm) of enlarged next to last segment (propodus); occasionally also formed by dactylus and propodus bearing down on carpus [Stachowitsch, 1992].

(Order Isopoda):

In modified anterior pereopod(s), pincer-like structure formed by dactylus bearing down on propodus or propodus down on carpus [Stachowitsch, 1992].

(Order Mysida):

Typically relatively small, pincer-like structure of thoracopod. Formed by terminal segment (dactylus) bearing down on propodus. Certain bottom-dwelling mysidaceans have powerful subchela on third thoracic endopod [Stachowitsch, 1992].

(Order Stomatopoda):

On thoracic appendages (thoracopods) 1-5, pincer-lie structure formed by dactyl folded back and bearing down on propodus. Subchela of second thoracopod particularly well developed as a raptorial claw. (Syn. subcheliped, subchelipede) [Stachowitsch, 1992].

(Subclass Copepoda):

The terminal, movable part of an appendage, which adducts to oppose the surface of the subterminal segment [Boxshall and Halsey, 2004].