lacinia

Definition

The inner, usually blade-like or toothed lobe of the maxilla in insects and other mandibulate arthropods, articulating with the stipes and opposed to the outer galea; often bears sclerotized teeth or spines and functions in food manipulation, cutting, or grinding.

Etymology

From Latin lacinia, 'fringe, flap, or lappet,' referring to the lobe-like appearance.

Example

In a grasshopper maxilla, the lacinia bears a row of sharp teeth along its inner margin that work against the mandible to shred plant material.

Synonyms

• lacinial lobe

Related Terms

• Galea
• Maxilla
• stipes
• cardo
• Mandible
• hypopharynx
• Labium
• maxilliped

Usage Notes

Often contrasted with the galea (outer lobe); in many insects the lacinia is reduced or fused with the galea, while in others (e.g., some Orthoptera, Dermaptera) it remains prominent and dentate. Not to be confused with the taxonomic genus name Lacinia in Lepidoptera or other phyla. The plural laciniae is standard in morphological descriptions.