The second joint of a maxilla of an insect or a crustacean.
(pl., stipites) Normally the largest section of the maxilla, which bears the maxillary palpus, galea and lacinia, and which is greatly enlarged in some chalcids. [drawing] [photo][drawing
A major sclerite of the maxilla, articulating basally with the cardo, apically with the galea and lacinia, and laterally with the maxillary palpus.