Acephalous

Definition

The condition of lacking a distinct or apparent head, commonly used to describe larvae of certain flies and wasps that lack a well-defined head capsule.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-', meaning 'without', and 'kephalē', meaning 'head'.

Example

Some larvae of flies are acephalous, meaning they appear to lack a distinct head.

Related Terms

• Head
• Flies
• Wasps
• Larvae

Usage Notes

Often applied to larvae of some Diptera (flies) that have reduced or indistinct head structures.