Mygalomorph Trapdoor Spider, Kempner, TX: 111208, pg 6

This photo shows a close-up view of the fangs, endites, and the anterior labium (the lip) of this spider. Endites (the two leg-like structures forming a "V" in the lower right and lower left of the photo, the proximal segments of this spider's pedipalps) are generally an expanded lobe of the palpal coxa, often referred to as gnathocoxa because, in most spiders, they play an active role in food mastication. In the mygalomorphs, the endites are relatively long and simple. They hold a morsel of prey in place while it is being masticated by the chelicerae and fangs before being sucked into the mouth. The endites of this specimen have a thick brush of loose bristles (scopulae) along their medial margins. The fangs are shown folded into their cheliceral furrows, and are flanked laterally by a row of denticles (diminutive teeth), and medially by a row of more substantial teeth that are barely visible in this perspective. The spider's mouth is positioned where the distal fangs come together, at the labium, or lip, at the anterior median extension of the sternum (lower mid photo). As food is masticated  by the chelicerae, it is drawn into the mouth by the action of the spider's sucking stomach. NEXT PAGE ---- PAGE MENU:  1 * 2 * 3 * 4 * 5 * 6 * 7 * 8 *

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