Altered Mouthparts

Follow-up of this: www.deviantart.com/dimetropus/…

The cephalic limbs have changed dramatically, forming a set of mouthparts tucked under the head. Each one is covered in thick, leathery skin for protection against struggling prey.

The fourth limbs, seen in the left drawing, are large and strong. They cover the slight hollow that contains the other mouthparts and the mouth, allowing a streamlined shape. They are also used kill prey, using their sharp edges as seen above, and to cut off large chunks of meat, not unlike the jaws of many fish.

The middle drawing has the fourth and first limbs removed, showing the second and third limbs. The second limbs are raptorial and are tipped with spikes. They shoot out from beneath the fourth limbs to capture prey and bring them close. They are also used to manipulate large prey while eating. The third limbs are much smaller, serving to cut small pieces of food and pass it into the mouth below.

The right drawing has the fourth and second limbs removed. The first limbs are used for a variety of purposes, but mostly for food manipulation and for cleaning the other mouthparts.

Any feedback is well appreciated!