clypeus
9.9
A plate like a shield on the front of an insect's head above the mouth
- noun
- /ˈklɪpiəs/
- Specialized
:
clípeo
- Under the microscope, the clypeus appeared as a distinct shield-shaped structure.
Examples
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The clypeus of the beetle was broad and slightly convex.
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Identification often depends on the shape and size of the clypeus.
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The clypeus protects the insect's face.
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In many beetles, the clypeus is quite prominent.
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Entomologists study the clypeus to understand the physical traits that differentiate various insect species.
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The specialized clypeus of the ant helps shield its face from debris while foraging.
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When observing the insect, I noted that its clypeus had a unique shape that allowed for easier identification.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Clypeus comes from the Latin word clypeus meaning 'shield'. Imagine a small shield on the front of an insect's head above its mouth; that image explains why the plate there is called the clypeus.
