The protopodite forms the basal part of the insect's mouthparts and in cockroaches, it comprises the cardo and stipes. The cardo serves as the basal hinge that attaches to the head capsule, while the stipes serves as the main supportive structure for the other mouthparts such as the palps, lacinia, and galea. This setup is crucial for the mechanical manipulation of food, aiding in feeding efficiency and versatility in diet.