Glossary of entomology terms
# Glossary of entomology terms

This glossary of entomology describes terms used in the formal study of insect species by entomologists.

## A–C

### abbreviate(d)

    (adjective) Of an organ or member: markedly or unexpectedly short in proportion to the rest of the body

### abdomen

    Body of the insect, toward the posterior of the thorax.

### abdominal feet

    See proleg

### Acalyptrata

    See Acalyptratae

### acanthus

    thorn-like projection, typically a single-celled cuticular growth without tormogen (socket) or sensory cells.

### acaricide

    A chemical employed to kill and control mites and ticks.

### acariphagous

    feeding on mites (also refers to parasitoids of mites).

### accessory gland

    Any secondary gland of the glandular system.

### accessory pulsatile organs (APOs)

    Small muscular pumps and the veins that accompany them that pump hemolymph into the wings.

### acetyl choline

    Alternative spelling of "acetylcholine".

### acrostichal bristles

    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.

### aculeate

    (Hymenoptera) Any member of a group of families that include the familiar stinging ants, bees, and social and hunting wasp.

### acuminate

    Tapering to a long point.

### acylurea

    A class of insect growth regulators.

### adecticous

    Of pupa: the state in which the pupa does not possess movable mandibles, the opposite being decticous.

### adipocytes

    A major cell type of insects that stores fat body and reserves nutrients.

### admarginal

    (adjective): Along the margin.

### aedeagus

    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.

### aestivation

    Summer dormancy, entered into when conditions are unfavourable for active life i.e. it is too hot or too dry.

### age polyethism

    The regular changing of roles of colony members as they get older.

### air sac

    A dilated portion of a trachea.

### alar squama

    The middle of three flap-like outgrowths at the base of the wing in various flies.

### alary muscles

    Muscles along the dorsal diaphragm that may drive circulation.

### alata

    The parthenogenetic winged morph of vividae, specialized for migration.

### alate

    Winged; having wings.

### algophagy

    Feeding on algae.

### alitrunk

    Name given to the thorax and propodeum of 'wasp-waisted' hymenopterans.

### Alloparenting

    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.

### allopatric

    Two or more forms of a species having essentially separate distributions.

### alternating generations

    When two generations are produced within a life cycle each producing individuals of only one sex, either male first and then female or vice versa.

### altruistic

    Self-destructive. or potentially self-destructive behavior performed for the benefit of others.

### alula

    A broad lobe at the proximal posterior margin of the wing stalk of Diptera. Also termed the axillary lobe.

### ambrosia

    The fungus cultivated by wood-boring beetles of the family Scolytidae.

### ametabola

    Hexapods which develop without metamorphosis; namely the Protura, Thysanura, and Collembola.

### amide

    Compound derived from carboxylic acids by replacing the hydroxyl of the -COOH by the amino group, $-NH_2-.$

### amine

    An organic compound containing nitrogen, derived from ammonia, $NH_3,$ by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms by as many hydrocarbon radicals.

### amino acid

    Organic compounds that contain the amino $(NH_2)$ group and the carboxyl (COOH) group. Amino acids are the "building stones" of proteins.

### ammonia

    A colorless alkaline gas, $NH_3,$ soluble in water.

### anal

    Pertaining to last abdominal segment which bears the anus.

### anal angle

    The posterior corner of the wing (same as tornus).

### anal fold

    A fold in the inner margin of the hindwing.

### anal valves

    Exposed claspers at the end of the abdomen.

### anaplasmosis

    Infection with Anaplasma, a genus of Sporozoa that infests red blood cells.

### anasa wilt

    A wilt disease of cucurbits caused solely by the feeding of the squash bug, no parasitic microorganism involved.

### androconia

    (singula = Androconium) In male butterflies, specialised wing scales (often called scent scales) possessing special glands which produce a chemical attractive to females.

### androconium or androconia (plural)

    Specialised microscopic scales on the wings of male butterflies, believed to be scent scales for attracting the female.

### annulate

    Formed in ring-like segments or with ring-like markings.

### anemic

    Deficient in blood quantity or quality.

### anteclypeus

    the lower (anterior) portion of the clypeus of insects.

### antennae

    The long feelers situated on the head and close to the eyes. They are however not tactile but used for detecting airborne scents and currents.
   * In Papilionoidea the antennae end in bulging tips called clubs.

   * In Hesperioidea they have hooked tips and the club is found just before the tip.

   * In some Lycaenidae like the genus Liphyra the antenna tapers gradually.

### antennation

    Touching with the antenna.

### antenniferous

    Bearing antennae, as in "antenniferous tubercle".

### antennomere

    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.

### anterior

    in front of or after the aforementioned structure.

### antenodal veins

    Small cross-veins at the front of the dragonfly or damselfly wing, between the wing base and the nodus.

### anthophagy

    feeding on flowers.

### antibiosis

    An association between two or more organisms that is detrimental to one or more of them.

### anticoagulin

    A substance antagonistic to the coagulation of blood.

### anus

    The posterior opening of the digestive tract.

### apex / apical area

    The anterior corner of the wing.

### apical cell

    The first posterior cell in the wing of Diptera. It is the space between the third and fourth longitudinal vein beyond the anterior crossvein (R5).

### aphidophagy

    feeding on aphids (and parasitoids of aphids).

### apitherapy

    Medicinal use of the honey bee or its products.

### arculus

    A crossvein between the radius and cubitus near the base of the wing in certain insects.

### areola

    1. A small ring of color
    2. In crayfish, the hourglass pattern on the dorsal surface of the cephalothorax

### arolium

    A pad-like median lobe between the tarsal claws.

### base / basal area of wing

    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.

### 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.

### 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.

### clasper or clasp

    A structure in male insects that is used to hold the female during copulation.

### 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.
    3. The oblong sclerite at the base of the inferior margin of the hemelytron in Heteroptera.
    4. The knob at the end of the stigmal or radial veins in the wings of certain Hymenoptera.

### club

    The popular (possibly to be preferred) name for the clavus of a clavate antenna.

### clypeus

    (Anatomical feature) a sclerite structure below the frons, circumposed by the mandibles and above the labrum.

### coccidophagy

    feeding on scale insects (and parasitoids of scale insects).

### compound eye

    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.

### coprophagy

    feeding on the excrements of animals.

### costa / costal area

    The leading edge of the wing.

### costal break

    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.

### coronal suture

    (Anatomical feature) an anterior suture line of the head between the compound eyes, below the median ocellus.

### coxa

    first leg segment, between body and trochanter.

### 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.

## D–F

### 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.

### detritophagy

    feeding on ground remains of plants and animals.

### 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).

### dorsum / dorsal area

    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).

### 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.

### entomonecrophagy

    feeding on dead arthropods.

### entomophagy

    feeding on other insects.

### epicranius

    (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.

### exarate

    Pupae with their legs and other appendages free and extended.

### eyespots

    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.
    2. Simple eyes such as ocelli or stemmata

### face

    the area between the base of antennae, oral margin, eyes and cheeks (gena). See figure 3.

### fascia (plural fasciae)

    A color pattern with a broad band.

### femur

    third leg segment, between trochanter and tibia.

### flagellomere

    an antennomere comprising part of the flagellum.

### flagellum

    the part of the antenna distal to the pedicel composed of one or more segments, called flagellomeres.

### foramen magnum

    (Anatomical feature) the posterior opening of the head capsule, covered by the cervix.

### forewing

    (Anatomical feature) the pair of wings of a four-winged insect closest to the head.

### frons

    (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.

## G–L

### 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).

### hemocoel

    the interior of the insects anatomy, including all organs and hemocyte.

### hemocyte or haemolymph

    a fluid in the circulatory system of insects containing nutrients, fat, water, etc.

### hemophagy

    feeding on blood.

### herbiphagy

    feeding on herbaceous plants.

### hindwing

    (Anatomical feature) the pair of wings of a four-winged insect farthest from the head.

### hyaline

    transparent, like glass.

### hygropetric

    mode of life: living in the thin film of water on wet rocks.

### hypognathous

    having mouthparts that are ventrad of a vertically oriented head, "pointing downwards", or having an "under bit", instead of pointing backwards or forwards.

### hypopharynx

    Mouthpart. A tonguelike lobe on the floor of the mouth.

### idiobiont

    a form of parasitism where the parasitoid paralyzes or leaves the host unable to continue development at oviposition.

### imago

    (plural is usually imagines) The final, or adult, stage in metamorphosis.

### incrassate

    localised thickening of a member such as an antenna or leg.

### interspace

    The region between adjacent veins.

### irrorated or irroration

    Old term used usually to indicate a sprinkling of scales interspersed among scales typically of a different color.

### keratophagy (Also spelt ceratophagy)

    feeding on cornified tissues and hair of animals.

### koinobiont

    A form of parasitoidy where the parasitoid lives inside the host while allowing it to live after oviposition.

### labium

    Mouthpart forming the lower lip. Bears the labial palps.

### labrum

    (Anatomical feature) the anterior structure below the clypeus covering some of the mouthparts, sometimes called the "upper lip".

### lichenophagy

    feeding on lichens.

### lines (moth)

    transverse line markings on the wings of moths, mainly Noctuidae- basal line; inner line; outer line; submarginal line.See figures 4, 5

### lines of weakness

    (Anatomical feature) the suture lines where the integument will split to allow for molting or autotomy.

### lunule

    A body area or marking roughly in the shape of a crescent.

## M–O

### macrochaete

    large bristles and scales.

### macropterous

    Having long or large elytra, as long, or longer than the abdomen.

### malacophagy

    feeding on mollusks (and parasitoids of mollusks).

### maxilla

    Mouthpart. The maxillae are paired and arranged behind the mandibles. May bear palps. See Figures 1 and 3.

### membranule

    a small triangular opaque region at the base of the hindwing in some dragonflies.

### mesothorax

    the middle segment of the thorax, between the prothorax and the metathorax.

### metalmarks

    small metallic-looking spots commonly found on the wings of Riodinidae.

### metathorax

    The third and last segment of the thorax after the mesothorax.

### micropterous

    Having short elytra, shorter than the abdomen.

### mixomycetophagy

    feeding on myxomycetes slime molds.

### myiasis

    Infestation of fly larvae on or in a vertebrate host.

### mycetophagy

    feeding on fungus.

### necrophagy

    consuming of dead animals and their remains.

### nervure

    Older term for vein. adnervural refers to instance lines running adjacent and alongside the veins.

### nodus

    (of Odonata ) A prominent cross-vein near the center of the leading edge of a wing. Also called "node".

### obtect

    Appendages fused or glued to the body.

### occipital suture

    (Anatomical feature) the structure that defines the occiput. See Figure 1 (below).

### occiput

    (Anatomical feature) the region posterior to the vertex on the head. See Figure 2 (below).

### ocular structure

    (Anatomical feature) the structure of the head containing the ocelli.

### onisciform

    A woodlouse shaped, flattened platyform appearance of a larva.

### oophagy

    feeding on eggs.

### opisthognathous

    with receding mouthparts, or having mouthparts that slope backward or face backward.

### orbicular stigma (or orbicular spot)

    a marking placed between the reniform stigma and the thorax, usually circular in shape. See figures 4, 5

### osmeterium

    fleshy structure on some larvae, often discharging odorous chemicals.

### oviposition

    the act of laying eggs.

### oviscape

    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).

### ovipositor

    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.

### ozadene

    a stink gland or repugnatorial gland, from which an animal such as an insect or Myriapod may release a foul-smelling liquid or gas for defence

### ozopore

    the opening of an ozadene, a stink gland or repugnatorial gland

## P–R

### palynophagy

    feeding on pollen.

### parasitoid

    parasite that develops attached to or within a host organism in a relationship which ultimately kills the host.

### pedicel

    the second segment ( antennomere) of the antenna. See figure 3.

### pedipalp (or labial palpi or palpi)

    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.

### phloeophagy

    feeding on phloem.

### phyllophagy

    feeding on leaves.

### phytophagy

    feeding on plants.

### pleurite

    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).

### pollinophagy

    feeding on pollen.

### porrect

    of organs extended horizontally anterior to the head. In such organs the axis of the organs is parallel to the axis of the body.

### postclypeus

    the upper (proximal) portion of the clypeus of insects.

### postdiscal

    The area, or band, of the wing between the discal area and the marginal area.

### posterior

    in a position behind or below the aforementioned.

### postoccipital suture

    (Anatomical feature) the structure posterior to the occipital suture, surrounding foramen magnum or occipital magnum.

### proboscis

    tubular feeding and sucking organ.

### proclinate

    Directed or leaning forward, such as in bristles in particular locations of insects' heads.

### prognathous

    having mouth parts extended forward of the head, in contrast to opisthognathous and hypognathous.

### proleg

    fleshy leg like structures arising from the abdominal segments of caterpillars. These prolegs have crochets or curved hooks.

### prothorax

    The first segment on the thorax anterior to the mesothorax.

### pterostigma (plural pterostigmata)

    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) See figure 4

### repugnatorial

    (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.

### rhizophagy

    feeding on rhizomes.

## S–Z

### saltatorial

    adapted for leaping or jumping.

### sarconecrophagy

    feeding on dead bodies of vertebrates.

### sapromycetophagy

    inhabiting decaying matter and consuming mycetes growing inside or cultivating them for feeding.

### saprophagy

    feeding on decaying organic matter.

### scape

    the proximal segment ( antennomere) of the antenna. See Figure 3.

### schisophagy

    feeding on ground remains of plants and animals.

### scolus

    An external spine having multiple points. Etymology: Greek skolos, a prickle. cf. chalaza. plural: scoli

### sensu

    Latin term meaning "in the sense of".

### sequestering

    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.

### setulose

    bearing, or covered in setulae.

### shade

    see central shade

### spiracle

    Respiratory openings on the thorax and abdomen that allow air to enter the trachea.

### sporophagy

    feeding on mycet spores.

### stigma (plural stigmata)

    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)

### subgenal suture

    (Anatomical feature) suture lines below the gena.

### symplesiomorphy

    a shared ancestral ("primitive") character state that cannot be used to demonstrate the monophyly of a group.

### synapomorphy

    a shared homologous and derived character state (evolutionary novelty) that demonstrates the monophyly of a group (clade).

### synovigenic

    a form of reproduction in which the female continues to produce and to mature eggs throughout its life cycle.

### tarsus (plural tarsi)

    fifth (last) leg segment, the part that touches the walking surface.

### termen

    The edge of the wing most distant from the body.

### terminal and marginal

    Along the margin.

### thorax

    The part of the body that lies between the head and the abdomen. It has three parts - prothorax, mesothorax and metathorax.

### tibia

    fourth leg segment, between femur and tarsus.

### tomentum

    a pubescence consisting of soft, entangled hairs pressed close to the surface of the integument.

### tornus / tornal area

    The posterior corner of the wing.

### trochanter

    second leg segment, between coxa and femur.

### trophi

    The mouthparts of Arthropoda such as insects; typically labrum, mandible, maxilla, labium.

### trophus

    The singular form of trophi (rarely used).

### uncate

    hook-like, as in the mouthparts of many fly larvae. (also uncinate)

### uncinate

    hook-like, as in the mouthparts of many fly larvae. (also uncate)

### unguis (plural ungues)

    the claws at the tip of most insect pretarsi.

### urite

    a segment or part of the abdomen in insects.

### urogomphus (plural urogomphi)

    paired "horns" at the posterior tip of the abdomen of larvae.

### urotergite

    plate on the dorsal (upper) surface of an abdominal segment in insects.

### valve

    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.

### vein

    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.)

### vertex

    (Anatomical feature) The apex of the head, usually containing ocelli.

### villose

    covered with numerous thick-set, slender projections resembling short hairs.

### worker

    Insects within social colonies (bees, wasps, ants, and termites) that usually do not reproduce and instead perform most of the colony's tasks.

### xylomycetophagy

    inhabiting wood and consuming mycetes growing in wood or cultivating them for feeding.

### xylophagy

    feeding on wood.

### zoomycetophagy

    feeding on fungus found on other animals.

### zoophagy

    feeding on animals, and/or animal matter.

## Figures

* Figure 1 Head Posterior view
* Figure 2 Head Side view
* Figure 3 Head Morphology
* Wing venation Charaxes
* Wing venation Charaxes
* Wing venation Acraea
* Wing venation (in German)
* Wing and body of a moth (from South Moths of the British Isles) Figure 4
* Noctuidae Wings Figure 5
