Rostrum

The rostrum is a snout-like projection from the heads of some insects or the carapace of some crustaceans.

Weevils often possess a large rostrum and their mouth parts are located at the very tip. When poking their rostrum into wood or other substance the antennae of the weevil can fold back into grooves on the rostrum and they are then protected from damage.

Other insects that possess a rostrum are assassin bugs and some shield bugs. these bugs use their rostrum to pierce the body of their prey.

A photograph of an Asopinae nymph feeding on the caterpillar of the Mullein moth. The rostrum is clearly visible.

Related terms

• Assassin bug
• Coleoptera
• Head
• Hemiptera

Related groups of terms

• Invertebrate body structure

Related pages on this web site

• Insect mouthparts

See other words beginning with R