Labrum

The labrum is often called an insect's upper lip. The labrum is flattened piece of cuticle at the base of the insect's "face" and above the mouthparts. The labrum partially or completely obscures the mandibles and helps hold food in a position when the insect feeds.

A close-up photograph of a female Tree Weta showing the labrum.
Photograph by Wolfgang K..

Related terms

• Clypeus
• Head
• Labium
• Mandibles
• Maxilla
• Subesophageal ganglion

Related groups of terms

• Invertebrate body structure

Related pages on this web site

• Insect mouthparts

See other words beginning with L