Occipital Suture

Definition

A line of fusion found on the head capsule of many insects, marking the division between the occiput and the vertex and often playing a role in the structure of the insect's head.

Etymology

From Latin 'occipitalis', relating to the back of the head, and 'sutura', meaning a seam or stitch.

Example

The entomologist carefully examined the occipital suture of the beetle to study its head structure.

Related Terms

• Occiput
• vertex
• Head capsule
• Suture

Usage Notes

Occipital sutures can be important in taxonomy for distinguishing between different species or genera of insects.