When present, elytra of the Staphylinidae are markedly abbreviate.This fly in the genus Scaptomyza has clearly visible rows of para-sagittalacrostichal bristles on its thoraxthe alitrunk of aculeate Hymenoptera comprises the three thoracic segments, plus the propodeum, which strictly speaking, is the first segment of the abdomen.
Parts of an adult butterfly
abbreviate(d)
(adjective) Of an organ or member: markedly or unexpectedly short in proportion to the rest of the body
The two rows of hairs or bristles lying one on either side of the mid-line of the thorax of a true fly.
active space
The space within which the concentration of a pheromone or other behaviorally active substance is concentrated enough to generate the required response, remembering that like light and sound pheromones become more dilute the further they radiate out from their source.
The sclerotized terminal portion of the male genital tract that is inserted into the female during insemination. Its shape is often important in separating closely related species.
A synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide, toxic to vertebrates. Though its phytotoxicity is low, solvents in some formulations may damage certain crops. cf. the related Dieldrin, Endrin, Isodrin
Name given to the thorax plus propodeum of 'wasp-waisted' aculeate Hymenoptera The term is now dated, and seldom used, but it describes the apparent "thorax" of bees, wasps, and ants, which actually incorporates the first abdominal segment, which precedes the petiole.
When individuals other than the parent assist in the caring for that parents offspring. Alloparenting takes many forms, including castes in social insects raising the offspring of reproductives, and slave ant workers feeding the larvae of the slaver species.
Refers to the state when two or more populations, such as different species, or forms of one species have essentially separate distributions. cf. sympatry, parapatric
Originally: The now obsolete subclass of Hexapoda that develop without clearly defined stages of metamorphosis, such as nymph, larva, pupa, adult; namely the Thysanura, Protura, Diplura, and Collembola. Also known as the Apterygota. Subsequently the others have been reclassified as separate from the Insecta, while the Thysanura have been split into the orders Archaeognatha and Zygentoma
(singula = Androconium) In male butterflies, specialised wing scales (often called scent scales) possessing special glands which produce a chemical attractive to females.
A segment of an antenna. The term antennomere is used in particular when the segments are fairly uniform, as in filiform antennae, but it also may be used in referring to segments of odd sizes, shapes and functions, such as the scape and pedicel. More specific terms may be used where there are distinct antennal regions; for example flagellomeres are the antennomeres comprising the flagellum.
Region close to the point of attachment to the thorax.
basal streak (Noctuidae)
also basal dash — a typically short and broad line at the mid-basal area of the forewing of noctuid moths.See figures 4, 5
brand
Raised area on the wing surface, circular, ovate, or elongated, which is covered with special scent scales or androconia, found in males of some species. Also called sex mark.
bryophagy
feeding on moss.
Distinction between clavate and capitate anatomy of insect antennae
capitate
Mainly referring to antennae, but occasionally to other anatomical features such as palps: having a clubbed shape with a relatively long, slender stem, but with an abruptly bulkier, thicker, possibly globular distal head, the capitulum. The term capitate is not strictly distinguished from clavate, but where a distinction is desired, it is that the club of a capitate antenna is abruptly distinct from the shaft, and the head tends to be short and more or less globular. The club of a clavate antenna generally is a more or less tapered thickening, sometimes hardly distinct from the shaft.
capitulum
The head of a capitate structure, such as a capitate antenna, or of a capitate haltere
carina
a keel-like elevation (or ridge) on the body-wall of an insect.
carpophagy
feeding on fruits and seeds.
catenulate
Markings consisting of rings connected together like a chain.
catenulated antennae
Antennae with ringed appearance.
cell
The central area surrounded by veins. It can be closed by veins or open.
The vein forming the boundary of the cell along the costal margin is known as the subcostal vein q.v.
The vein forming the lower boundary towards the dorsum is called the median vein.
In the case of butterflies, the cell is closed by a vein connecting the origins of veins 6 to 4 along the top of the cell which is known as discocellular vein.
cell cup
Taxonomically important term used in Diptera identification keys. Part of the schema of wing venation. Also called the posterior cubital cell and often called the anal cell. see File:Phytomyzinae wing veins-1.svg
central shade or median shade
Taxonomically important term used in moth description. It is a transverse band in the median area of the wing. See figures 4, 5
ceratophagy (Also spelled keratophagy)
feeding on cornified tissues and hair of animals.
cervix
(Anatomical feature) the structure defining the neck of the insect.
chaeta
See Seta.
chaetosema
patch of sensory bristles.
chalaza
An external spine that has a single point. Etymology: Greek chalasa, a tubercle. cf. scolus, which has multiple points.
cheta
See Seta.
cilia
Fine hairs along the edges of the wing. Etymology: Latin 'eyelash'[3]
A structure in male insects that is used to hold the female during copulation.
Clavate antenna of a beetle in the family Erotylidae. In this specimen the clavus comprises three segments
clava
Same as clavus.
clavate
Mainly referring to antennae, but occasionally to other anatomical features such as palps: having a clubbed shape with a relatively long, slender stem, but with a bulkier, thicker distal end, the clava. The term clavate is not strictly distinguished from capitate, but in general, where a distinction is desired, the club of a capitate antenna is abruptly distinct, even globular, whereas the club of a clavate antennae is generally a more or less tapered thickening
claviform stigma
specifically, in Noctuidae (moths)- an
elongate spot or mark extending from the anterior transverse anterior line through the submedian interspace, toward and sometimes to the posterior transverse line.See figures 4, 5
clavola
Same as clavus or club
clavus
1.The thicker distal end of a clavate anatomical structure such as an antenna. Usually comprising more than one joint. Also called clava, clavola, or club
2.The posterior of the portion of the remigium found on insect wings.
An eye consisting of a large number of individual photoreceptor units or ommatidia (ommatidium, singular).Figure 2 d below
connexivum or connexiva (plural)
(largely in Heteroptera and similarly dorsoventrally flattened insects) the edge of the abdomen, containing the connection between the tergite and sternite. May be visible from above in species such as many of the Reduviidae.
copromycetophagy
inhabiting feces and consuming mycetes growing inside or cultivating them for feeding.
Taxonomically important term used in Diptera identification keys. Part of the schema of wing venation. weakenings of the costa (one to three in number). They are flexing points for the wings during flight
costal fold
A fold in the leading edge of the forewing of Lepidoptera, containing androconia.
Cremaster of pupa of the oak owl moth, Griposia aprilina
cremaster
A general term for a structure by which an object hangs (from Greek language kremastos, meaning "hung up"); for example in entomology:
in some Lepidoptera, including most butterflies, the pupa attaches to a surface by the cremaster, a structure at the tip of the pupal abdomen. The cremaster is the homologue of the anal plate of the caterpillar. It takes various forms in different species, ranging from a simple point, to various arrangements of hooks that catch Velcro-like in a silken pad that the caterpillar spins on the surface before it enters the prepupal phase.
crenulate
Adjective = scalloped. Describes the outer edge of a wing that is convex at the end of each vein and concave in between.
cuneus
Noun = wedge. Particularly in mirid bugs, a wedge-shaped section of the hemelytra (forewings), located at the apex of the thick, leathery part of the wings.
decticous
Functional mandibles present in pupal state.
dendrophagy
feeding on trees.
dentate
As for crenulate but with the projections at the end of each wing being toothlike.
A synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide, toxic to vertebrates. cf. the related Aldrin, Endrin, Isodrin
disc / discal area
The central band passing through the cell.
discoidal cell
In damselflies (Zygoptera) a basal quadrangular cell in the wing venation, which is delimited by veins MA (anterior side), MP (posterior side), MAb (distal side) and the arculus (basal side).
The trailing edge or hind-margin of the wing, extending from the base to the tornus. Dorsal alternately, also refers to the back, i.e. the upper part of the body, from above.
ectognathous
(Anatomical feature) having exterior mouthparts, or exposed. A defining feature of insects.
elytron
(Anatomical feature) the modified, hardened forewing of certain insect orders, notably beetles (Coleoptera) and some of the true bugs (Hemiptera).
Beetle in the family Cerambycidae with conspicuous emargination of the compound eye (black) where it extends partway round the base of the antenna
emarginate
(Anatomical feature) Describing a margin, such as the edge of an eye or sclerite, where the outline includes a concave section as if a part of the region had been "cut out" or displaced. It might take the form of a notch, or a rounded or possibly quadrate hollow, such as where a compound eye is distorted in fitting around the base of the antenna.
empodium
(Anatomical feature) either a bristle-like or pad-like structure between the tarsal claws of various insects, notably Diptera.
encapsulation
the immuno response by plasmatocytes to the presence of parasitoid egg or larvae which results in the formation of a multilayered capsule that causes the parasitoid to sufficate or starve.
A synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide, toxic to vertebrates. Though its phytotoxicity is low, solvents in some formulations may damage certain crops. cf. the related Dieldrin, Aldrin, Isodrin
(Anatomical feature) the top of the anterior structure of the head, or forehead.
epiproct
(Anatomical feature) a plate or projection dorsal to the anus in certain insects, generally on abdominal segment X or XI. For example in Archaeognatha, Zygentoma and Ephemeroptera, it takes the form of a long, rearwardly directed caudal filament resembling the two cerci that flank it. In the Odonata epiprocts have various functions, both in larvae, in which they may have respiratory roles, and in adults, in which they may have reproductive roles. Not all epiprocts in all insect species are homologous. Note that the term is used in other groups than insects as well, for instance Myriapoda.
erect
The palpi when vertical, i.e. the axis of the palpi is at right angles to the axis of the body.
Pupae with their legs and other appendages free and extended.
Larva of a species in the family Sphingidae. The large eyespots on the back have no function concerning vision at all; when threatened, the caterpillar retracts its head, leaving the spots resembling either a threat, or as a more tempting target than the vulnerable head. The stemmata are visible as an arc of about four tiny spots slightly lateral to, and above the mouthparts. They are inconspicuous and do have a visual function.
1.Spots or other patterns resembling vertebrate eyes on the skin, such as on larvae of some Sphingidae or the wings of moths such as many Saturniidae. Such eyespots have no visual function, but act variously to misdirect or discourage attacks from predators.
(Anatomical feature) The frontal area of an insect's head. It covers the upper part of the face above the clypeus and below and between the antennae. It supports the pharyngeal dilator muscles and usually bears an ocellus.
frontal sutures
(Anatomical feature) suture lines that meet with the coroanl sutures to form an inverted Y.
A "true" bug, order Hemiptera, with geniculate antennae
gena
(Anatomical feature) the area below the compound eyes, the insect equivalent to human cheeks.
geniculate
Elbowed. From the Latin for a bended knee, referring to an organ of a type not always expected to be kinked, but having a definite angular bend or hinge. In entomology the term typically refers to an elbowed antenna. For instance, many species of Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera have markedly geniculate antennae
girdle
a strand of silk used to prop up the pupa. Found especially in the Papilionidae.
glabrous
smooth, without hairs or scales.
gula
ventral head sclerite which supports the submentum
helminthophagy
feeding on worms classified with helminths (including parasitoids of helminths).
mode of life: living in the thin film of water on wet rocks.
A fly in the family Vermileonidae, using its hypognathous proboscis to extract nectar from florets.
hypognathous
having mouthparts that are ventrad of a vertically oriented head, "pointing downwards", or having an "under bit", instead of pointing backwards or forwards.
A synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide, toxic to vertebrates. Though its phytotoxicity is low, solvents in some formulations may damage certain crops. cf. the related Dieldrin, Aldrin, Endrin
if part of the ovipositor is visible when not in action, then the basal visible portion, typically tubular, is the oviscape. For examples, see females of many Tephritidae and Pyrgotidae (cf scape).
structure by which many insects place their eggs, sometimes by piercing or slitting the host or substrate in which she lays the eggs. The structure may be tubular and may have valves.
comparatively large processes that originate from below the head and curve forward in front of the face that sometimes appear like a beak. lp on the figure right.
A sclerotised region on the lateral part of an insect segment, bearing the spiracle, and separating and connecting the tergite and the sternite (compare: pulmonarium).
The prominent cell, usually opaque and coloured, near the tip of each wing of the Odonata, on the anterior margin; also, more loosely, called stigma.
pterothorax
The meso- and metathorax of winged insects, that carries the two pairs of wings.
pulmonarium (plural pulmonaria)
A membranous instead of a sclerotised connection or pleurite between the abdominal tergites and sternites of certain groups of insects; in such species the pulmonaria bear the spiracles. The term also refers to an abdomen in which the connection between the tergal and sternal sclerites takes the form of a pulmonarial membrane. (Compare: pleurite)
reniform stigma (or reniform spot)
an oval or kidney-shaped mark on the forewing at the disc (Lepidoptera)[9] See figure 4
A Chrysomelid larva carrying its own frass as repugnatorial protection
(generally in combination as in: "repugnatorial glands"): defensive, or "fighting back", in particular as applied to an ozadene, a gland that can release irritant, poisonous, alarming or distasteful fluids or gases when an organism is under threat. Examples of repugnatorial glands include the osmeterium of larvae of the Papilionidae, the stink glands of most Heteroptera, the ozadenes of Opiliones, the odoriferous glands of Diplopoda, and others. Some insects, such as larvae of many species of the Chrysomelidae, use their excreta in repugnatorial roles, for example covering themselves with their own frass.
The process of animals accumulating poisonous compounds from the food they are eating in order to become poisonous themselves for their predators. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid sequestration refers to the sequestration of one such class of poisonous compounds.
seta
A stiff chitinous or sclerotised hair or bristle. Also chaeta, cheta
setaceous
being like or having the nature of a seta or of setae
setose
setose
bearing, or covered in setae.
setula
Diminutive of seta. A small chitinous hair or bristle.
Prominent cells on the forewings of some moths. Their size, shape and colour can be useful in identifying some species. Also the prominent cell, usually opaque and coloured, near the tip of each wing of the Odonata, on the anterior margin; also called pterostigma.
strigae
Patterns with thin lines.
subcosta
Taxonomically important term used in Diptera identification keys. Part of the schema of wing venation. The second longitudinal wing vein, posterior to the costa. It may reach the costa, fade before the costa or join R1 before it reaches the costa. see commons:File:Neminidae_wing_veins.svg (= auxiliary vein of many authors)
One of several appendages that combine to form the ovipositor of a typical female insect.
valvifer
In female Heteroptera valvifers comprise four blades, one pair on each of abdominal segments 8 and 9. They articulate with the paratergites and bear their corresponding valvulae.
valvula
One of four blades in a female Hemipteran with a laciniate type of ovipositor, that combine to form the ovipositing mechanism.
Hollow structures formed from the coupling of the upper and lower walls of the wing. They provide both rigidity and flexibility to the wing. (See also Comstock-Needham system.)
Wigney, Bev (13 March 2007). "a crayfish primer". magickcanoe.com Blog. Ontario. Retrieved 7 December 2017. the areola (the hourglass shaped lines on the crayfish's "back")
Byers, J.A. 1995. "Host tree chemistry affecting colonization in bark beetles", in R.T. Cardé and W.J. Bell (eds.). Chemical Ecology of Insects 2. Chapman and Hall, New York, pp. 154–213
Romoser, William S. The Science of Entomology, pp.26–49. Collier-MacMillan 1973.
McAlpine, David K., 1958 A key to the Australian families of Acalptrate Diptera (Insecta) Records of the Australian Museum 24 (12) 183-190 pdf full text and figures
McAlpine, J.F. 1981 Morphology and terminology In: McAlpine, J.P. et al. (eds.): Manual of Nearctic Diptera vol. 1 Ottawa: Research Branch, Agriculture Canada, Monograph 27. ISBN0660107317pdfdownload manual
Resh, Vincent H. and R. T. Cardé, Eds. Encyclopedia of Insects, pp.15–19, 750–755. Elsevier 2003.
Wallace, Robert L. et al. Beck and Braithwaite's Invertebrate Zoology, 4th Ed., pp.248–250. MacMillan 1989.