Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Glossary » M » maxilla

maxilla

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

No Taxon (Glossary)

No Taxon (M)

No Taxon maxilla

Explanation of Names

From Latin maxilla, jawbone (1).

Identification

maxilla noun, plural maxillae - paired "under jaws", which in many respects resemble the mandibles, but are smaller, and more delicate in structure, they can be considered "accessory jaws" that aid the mandibles in chewing. May have attached sensory structures, the maxillary palpi, and these are often the most visible part of the maxillae.

Photos showing maxillae, in many cases just the maxillary palpi:

See Also

mouthparts

labrum

mandibles

maxillae (maxillary palpi)

labium

Print References

Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 556 (1)

Internet References

Jardine's Dictionary of Entomology

Works Cited

1.	A Dictionary of Entomology George Gordh, David H. Headrick. 2003. CABI Publishing.

Contributed by Cotinis on 19 May, 2007 - 2:32am
Last updated 14 January, 2008 - 10:18am

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2024 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by: