opisthognathous

Definition

Having jaws or mouthparts that are directed backward.

Etymology

From Greek 'opistho-', meaning 'behind' or 'backward', and 'gnathos', meaning 'jaw'.

Example

Certain hemipteran insects exhibit an opisthognathous arrangement of their mouthparts.

Synonyms

• Retrognathous

Related Terms

• Prognathous
• Hypognathous
• Mouthparts
• Hemipterans

Usage Notes

Opisthognathous is a term used to describe the orientation of the mouthparts, particularly in certain insects like those in the order Hemiptera.