Glossary of entomology terms
Glossary of Entomology Terms is a comprehensive list that encompasses the terminology used within the field of entomology, the study of insects. This glossary serves as a fundamental resource for professionals, students, and enthusiasts alike, providing definitions and explanations for terms and concepts encountered in entomological research, literature, and documentation.
A[edit | edit source]
- Abdomen - The posterior part of an insect's body, located behind the thorax, containing the digestive and reproductive organs.
- Antenna - A sensory appendage on the head of an insect, used for smelling, feeling, and sometimes hearing.
- Apterous - Referring to insects without wings.
B[edit | edit source]
- Bioluminescence - The production and emission of light by a living organism, as seen in some species of insects like fireflies.
- Bivoltine - Describes insects that have two generations per year.
C[edit | edit source]
- Chitin - A large, structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of insects.
- Cocoon - A protective casing spun by the larvae of many insects for use as a pupal chamber.
- Compound eye - An eye consisting of numerous small visual units, common in insects.
D[edit | edit source]
- Diapause - A period of suspended development in insects, allowing them to survive adverse conditions.
E[edit | edit source]
- Ecdysis - The process of molting or shedding the exoskeleton in insects.
- Entomology - The scientific study of insects, a branch of zoology.
F[edit | edit source]
- Fecundity - The reproductive capacity of an individual, including the ability to produce viable offspring.
G[edit | edit source]
- Grub - The larval stage of certain insects, particularly beetles.
H[edit | edit source]
- Hemolymph - The blood equivalent in insects, circulating nutrients and hormones throughout the body.
- Holometabolism - Complete metamorphosis, a developmental process in some insects that includes distinct larval, pupal, and adult stages.
I[edit | edit source]
- Instar - A developmental stage of arthropods, such as insects, between each molt until sexual maturity is reached.
L[edit | edit source]
- Larva - The juvenile form of an insect, often differing markedly from the adult form.
M[edit | edit source]
- Metamorphosis - The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.
N[edit | edit source]
- Nymph - The immature form of some insects, which resembles the adult form but is smaller and lacks fully developed wings.
O[edit | edit source]
- Ovipositor - A structure used by some female insects to lay eggs.
P[edit | edit source]
- Pheromone - A chemical substance produced and released into the environment by an animal, affecting the behavior or physiology of others of its species.
- Proboscis - A long, flexible feeding and sucking organ present in some insects, such as butterflies and moths.
R[edit | edit source]
- Rostrum - A snout or beak, especially one used by certain insects to pierce plant tissues to suck out the sap.
S[edit | edit source]
- Sclerite - A hardened body part or plate forming part of the exoskeleton in arthropods, including insects.
- Spiracle - An external respiratory opening in insects, found on the abdomen and thorax.
T[edit | edit source]
- Thorax - The middle part of an insect's body, bearing the legs and wings.
V[edit | edit source]
- Venation - The arrangement of veins in an insect's wing.
Z[edit | edit source]
- Zoology - The scientific study of animals, including insects.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD