Forcipule
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Forcipules are the modified, pincer-like, front legs of centipedes that are used to inject venom into prey.[1][2] They are the only known examples of front legs acting as venom injectors.[1][3]
Nomenclature
Forcipules go by a variety of names in both scientific and colloquial usages. They are sometimes known as poison claws or jaw legs,[4] referencing their evolution from maxillipeds, a term which they are also sometimes known by in the context of centipedes (maxillipeds, maxillipedes). Other names include prehensors, telopodites, and forcipulae (singular forcipula).[5][6] In the specific case in which the forcipules are used to inject venom, they are called toxicognaths (from toxic + the Greek gnathos, jaw).[7]
The term forcipule references their similarity with forceps.[1]
Anatomy, systematics, and variation
Forcipules evolved from the maxillipeds – front legs – of centipedes' last common ancestor, believed to be somewhat Scutigeromorph-like. They were initially leg-like, then progressed into a more pincer or claw-like shape, as seen today, and restricted to horizontal movement.[1] The forcipules of modern Scutigeromorphs are the most significantly different in shape: they are more leg-like, and cannot hold prey like they are used among other orders: they are used for envenomation only, making their use more comparable to a knife than a pincer.[8]
References
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