Cephalothorax


The cephalothorax, also called prosoma in some groups, is a tagma of various arthropods, comprising the head and the thorax fused together, as distinct from the abdomen behind. The word cephalothorax is derived from the Greek words for head and thorax. This fusion of the head and thorax is seen in chelicerates and crustaceans; in other groups, such as the Hexapoda, the head remains free of the thorax. In horseshoe crabs and many crustaceans, a hard shell called the carapace covers the cephalothorax.

Arachnid anatomy

Fovea

The fovea is the centre of the cephalothorax and is located behind the head. It is often important in identification. It can be transverse or procurved and can, in some tarantulas have a "horn".

Clypeus

The clypeus is the space between the anterior of the cephalothorax and the ocularium. It is found in most arachnids. It is connected to the labrum of the invertebrate, between the labrum and the face.

Ocularium

The ocularium is a "turret" for the ocelli found in most arachnids. In harvestmen, it may have the ornament of spines.

Trident

The trident is a small group of spines found in harvestmen exclusively. It is located in front of the ocularium. It varies in size amongst species; in some it is completely absent, and in others it is enlarged considerably.