Raptorial leg

A leg modified to seize and hold prey, often with enlarged segments, opposing surfaces, or spines. Raptorial legs have evolved in several unrelated animal groups.

Raptorial foreleg: A foreleg specialized for grasping prey, commonly found in predatory insects. Many insect raptorial legs are modified forelegs that fold around prey.
Praying mantis: A predatory insect in the order Mantodea, known for its mobile head and grasping forelegs. Its spined forelegs are a familiar example of raptorial legs.
Cursorial leg: A leg adapted for running, often with proportions that support rapid movement. It prioritizes locomotion rather than holding prey.
Arthropod exoskeleton: The external skeleton of an arthropod, made chiefly of chitin and associated proteins. It supports and protects the segments that form a grasping leg.
Spine (zoology): A stiff, pointed projection from an animal's body or appendage. Leg spines can catch and restrain prey during a strike.
Giant water bug: A predatory aquatic true bug in the family Belostomatidae. Its forelegs seize prey underwater using enlarged, grasping segments.
Saltatorial leg: A leg specialized for jumping, typically with enlarged muscles or segments. Its enlarged hind legs propel the animal instead of grasping prey.
Arthropod joint: A flexible connection between segments of an arthropod's exoskeleton. Joint movement lets the limb close around prey.
Femur (arthropod anatomy): The proximal leg segment in an arthropod's leg, connecting to the trochanter and tibia. A thickened femur can oppose the tibia to clamp prey.
Water scorpion: An aquatic true bug in the family Nepidae that captures prey with raptorial forelegs. Its forelegs form forceful clamps suited to ambushing aquatic prey.

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