The term rostrum (from the Latin , meaning “beak”) is used for a number of unrelated structures in different groups of animals: In crustaceans, the rostrum is the forward extension of the carapace in front of the eyes. It is generally a rigid structure, but can be connected by a hinged joint, as seen in Leptostraca. Among insects, the rostrum is the name for the piercing mouthparts of the order Hemiptera. The long snout of weevils may also be called a rostrum. Gastropod molluscs have a rostrum or proboscis. Cephalopod molluscs have hard beak-like mouthparts referred to as the rostrum. The beak or snout of a vertebrate may be referred to as the rostrum, especially dolphins or sawfish.