labrum

9.8

A flap that forms the front part of an insect's mouth and helps hold food

: labro

Mouthparts were unfolded out of the head capsule and detached proximal to the labrum with sterile scissors.

Examples

In insects, the labrum acts as a barrier to help guide food into the mouth.
The labrum of the grasshopper is adapted to assist in grasping leaves while feeding.
The researcher studied the structure of the labrum to understand its role in the feeding mechanisms of various arthropods.

labrum singular

labrums plural

labra plural

Labrum comes from Latin labrum, meaning 'lip' or 'edge'. So in insects the labrum is like an upper 'lip' that helps hold and move food.