devil's fingers

noun[usually plural]3

1. •
   A fungus, Clathrus archeri, featuring pink or white 'arms' erupting from a white ball-like body, with a putrid odor.

   • Specimens of the aptly named devil’s fingers and the coral-like hazel gloves were spotted nestling in the undergrowth at Devon Wildlife Trust sites. — 2014
2. •
   (US, informal) The gills of various species of crabs.

   • I removed the underside of the crab called its apron. I opened it up and removed the gills or “devil’s fingers.” And I removed its eyes and mouth. — 1992
3. •
   (no longer used, rare) A starfish, especially Asterias rubens.

   • In Ireland, and elsewhere, there exists a common species of starfish known as the “devil’s hands,” or the “devil’s fingers,” and children have a superstitious dread of touching them. — 1876