BuzzWords:
A Glossary of Minibeast Terms
by Gary A. Dunn, M.S., F.R.E.S., Director of Education
Click on the corresponding letter of the alphabet, or scroll down the page to find the term you are looking for:
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Abdomen [ab-DOE-men] the hind section of the three main body parts of the insect (see also head and thorax).
Abraded [ah-BRAYded] scrapped or rubbed.
Acarina [ah-kah-RI-nah] an order in the class Arachnidae, comprised of the mites and ticks, characterized by a one-part body and minute to small body size.
Acarologist [Ack-ah-ROWL-oh-jist] a person who studies the life cycles, behavior, ecology, or diversity of ticks and mites as their work or hobby.
Acute [AH-cute] pointed and forming an angle of less than 90 degrees.
Adult [ah-DULT] the last, or mature, stage in an insect's life cycle.
Aestivation [ess-ti-VAY-shun] a special type of dormancy during a warm or dry season which allows insects to survive during periods of extreme heat and/or drought.
Alcohol [AL-ko-hall] a liquid chemical extracted from plants that is used to preserve soft-bodied insects.
Alutaceous [al-LOU-tay-shush] rather pale leather brown and covered with minute cracks, having the appearance of dry skin.
Amber [am-BURR] fossilized tree sap, often containing insects.
Amblypygi [am-bleh-PIE-gee] an order of the class Arachnida, comprised of the tailless whipscorpions, which are characterized by a broad cepahalothorax, prominent pincerlike pedipalps, and a first pair of legs that are long an whiplike.
Angulate [AIN-gu-late] forming an angle.
Annulated [ANN-you-late-ed] with ringlike segments or subdivisions (usually referring to the antennae).
Anoplura [ann-oh-PLUR-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the sucking lice, characterized by flattened, wingless bodies, sucking mouthparts, and gradual metamorphosis.
Antenna [ann-TEN-ah] a pair of jointed appendages located on the head of an insect above the mouthparts, which are used for feeling (touching), smelling, and hearing.
Antenniform [ann-TEN-ee-form] long and slender, shaped like an antennae.
Antlion [ant-LIE-un] a common name for a larva of the neuropteran family Myrmeleontidae, which dig cone-shaped pits in the sand for capturing ants.
Anterior [ann-TEAR-ee-or] front; or, in front of.
Apical [A-pih-kal] at the end, tip, or opposite to the base; i.e., the apical segment of the antennae is the segment farthest from the head (opposite to basal).
Apiculture [A-pih-kull-chur] the study of techniques for beekeeping.
Aposematic [ah-POH-so-mah-tik] colored or constructed so as to indicate to other animals the possession of special qualities of defense; warning coloration.
Apterous [AP-tur-us] without wings; wingless.
Aquatic [ah-KWA-tic] living in the water, at least for most of the life cycle (see also terrestrial).
Arachnid [ah-RACK-nid] a type of small animal characterized by a hard external skeleton, two body sections, eight legs, fang-like pincers (chelicerae) and simple eyes; common examples of arachnids include spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites.
Arachnida [ah-RACK-nid-ah] one of the classes of arthropods which includes the mites, ticks, spiders, scorpions, and harvestmen.
Arachnologist [ah-rack-NOLL-o-jist] a person who studies the life cycles, behavior, ecology, or diversity of arachnids (spider and their relatives) as their work or hobby.
Arachnology [ah-rack-NOLL-o-gee] the study of arachnids and their relatives, their life cycles, behavior, ecology, diversity and control.
Arachnophobia [ah-rack-no-FO-bee-ah] an unrealistic (irrational) fear of spiders.
Araneida [ah-RAN-ee-dah] an order of the class Arachnida, comprised of the spiders, characterized by two body parts (cephalothorax and abdomen), eight legs, and a pair of fangs (chelicerae).
Arborial [are-BOR-ee-al] living on trees and other large plants.
Arcuate [R-que-ate] curved; arched like a bow.
Arista [ah-RIS-tah] a large bristle located on the top side of the last antennal segment.
Arthropod [ARE-throw-pod] the largest group of animals in the animal kingdom, characterized by the presence of a hard, outer skeleton (exoskeleton) and jointed body parts (appendages). Includes animals such as spiders, scorpions, horseshore crabs, crustaceans, millipedes, centipedes, and insects.
Aspirator [asp-PER-ray-tor] a simple suction device for picking up small insects, make out of a small bottle, a cork, and two pieces of tubing.
Atrophied [AT-trow-feed] shrunken or reduced in size.
Atrium [A-tree-um] any chamber just inside a body opening, such as within a spiracle.
Ballooning [bah-LOON-ing] a method of airborne transportation used by small caterpillars and spiders; by producing lots of short silk threads they are able to float in the air.
Basal [BAY-sul] at the base, near the point of attachment; opposite to apical.
Basement membrane [BAYS-ment MEM-brain] a noncellular membrane underlying the epidermal cells of the body wall (exoskeleton).
Beak [beek] the long, pointed mouth structures of an insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts, such as true bugs (Hemiptera) and the cicadas and relatives (Homoptera).
Beating sheet [BEET-ing sheet] a piece of cloth used to catch insects shaken from a tree branch.
Beekeeper [BEE-key-pur] a person who tends bees and uses them to pollinate crops and to produce honey and beeswax.
Bee milk [bee milk] a secretion produced by the glands in the heads of workers who are less than 18 days old. These young workers eat large amounts of pollen which is the main source of the milk.
Berlese funnel [burr-LAY-see FUN-nel] an insect collecting device that consists of a large funnel containing a piece of screen, with a container below it; materials, such as leaf litter, soil, or rotting wood, is placed in the funnel and heat from a light placed above the funnel forces the hidden insects down the funnel into the container.
Bilobed tarsus [BYE-lowb-ed TAR-sus] the second to last tarsal segment divided into two lobes.
Bioluminescence [BYE-oh-lu-min-NES-ense] the ability of certain animals to produce light.
Blattodea [blat-TOE-dee-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the cockroaches, characterized by leathery wings, chewing mouthparts, slender, running legs, and gradual metamorphosis.
Blood meal [blud meel] a feeding of blood that helps a female insects reproductive system produce viable eggs.
Book lung [buk lung] a simple type of lung found in the spiders.
Boreal [BORE-ee-ahl] pertaining to the north (usually referring to an insects' ditribution or habitat preference).
Brace vein [brace vane] a slanting cross vein just behind the inner end of the stigma in some dragonflies.
Brachypterous [brak-KYP-ter-us] short-winged (see also macropterous).
Bristle [BRIS-ehl] - a stout spine-like hair.
Brood [brewed] all of the individual insects that hatch from the eggs laid by one female (mother), or individuals that hatch and normally mature at about the same time.
Brood pouch [brewed powch] a liquid-filled sac on a female isopod's (sowbug or pillbug) body where eggs are held and hatched.
Brush feet [brush feet] the small, short forelegs of certain butterflies of the families Nymphalidae (brushfoots and anglewings) and Danaidae (monarchs); these legs are not used for walking or grasping.
Bugfolk [buhg-foalk] story characters that exhibit both human and insect characteristics.
Cabinet [KAB-ih-net] the special locker where an entomologist or arachnologist keeps their collection.
Calypter [KUH-lip-ter] one of two small flaps located at the base of the wings in certain flies such as the house flies, blow flies, flesh flies, etc.
Camouflage [kam-OH-floj] the use of color patterns, shape, texture, and/or behavior to remain concealed from predators or prey.
Campodeiform [kam-poe-dee-ih-form] larvae that are elongate and tapered from head to tip of abdomen, with distinct antennae, well-developed legs and abdominal cerci (usually); occurs in many types of Coleoptera, as well as some Trichoptera and some Neuroptera.
Cannibalistic [can-eh-ball-IS-tic] feeding on other individuals of the same species.
Carapace [KARE-uh-pace] the hard covering of a crustaceans forebody; similar to the cephlothorax of arachnids.
Carina [kah-RHINE-uh] a sharp ridge or keel.
Carnivorous [car-NIV-or-us] feeding on the flesh of other animals (see also herbivorous).
Carrion [CARE-ee-un] the flesh of a dead animal.
Caste [kast] a form or type of adult in a social insect colony, such as a soldier or worker.
Caterpillar [KAT-er-pill-er] a special type of insect larva with a cylindrical body, distinct head capsule, chewing mouthparts, thoracic legs, and abdominal prolegs; the common name for the larval stage of a butterfly, moth, sawfly, or scorpionfly.
Caudal [caw-DULL] referring to the tail or rear part of an insect's body; for example caudal filaments.
Cell [sell] an area in the membrane of an insect wing that is partly (open cell) or completely (closed cell) surrounded by veins.
Centipede [SEN-tih-peed] a type of small animal characterized by a hard external skeleton, two body sections, 15-30 pairs of legs (one pair per trunk segment), a pair of antennae, toxignaths (poison pincers), and simple eyes.
Cephalothorax [SEH-pha-lo-thor-axe] the forward section of an arachnids body, made up of the head and thorax joined together.
Cercus [sair-SUS] (pl., cerci [sair-SEE]) a short, feeler-like appendage located on an insect's abdomen, near the tip.
Chelicera [key-LISS-era] (pl., chelicerae [chay-LISS-er-ee]) the fang-like mouthparts of arachnids (spiders, scorpions, mites and harvestmen).
Chewing mouthparts [CHU-ing mouth-parts] - the collection of body appendages (mandibles, labrum, maxillae and labium) which are used by insects to take in solid food.
Chilopoda [kye-low-POH-dah] one of the classes of arthropods, commonly referred to as centipedes, characterized by a two-parted body (head and many-segmented trunk), and one pair of antennae; each trunk segment bear a single pair of legs.
Chitin [KITE-in] a special chemical compound (nitrogenous polysaccharide) occurring in the skeleton of insects that is responsible for the resilience of the body wall.
Chorion [kore-E-yon] the thick outer covering of an insect egg.
Chrysalis [KRISS-ah-liss] the pupa of a butterfly (see also cocoon).
Claspers [KLASS-perz] special hold-fast abdominal structures present in some male insects, which are used to hold onto the female during the mating process.
Class [klass] an animal classification category, consisting of a group of related orders; for example, the class Insecta is composed of the 26 related insect orders.
Claval suture [KLAV-uhl SUE-chur] an impressed line on the forewing of true bugs that separates the clavus from the remainder of the corium.
Clavate [KLAV-ate] clubbed or enlarged at the tip (usually referring to antennae).
Clavus [KLAV-us] a portion of the forewing in the true bugs and hoppers (Homoptera) that is located between the inside edge (next to the scutellum) and the claval suture.
Claw [klaw] a sharp, hooked structure generally found on or near the tarsal segment of the leg.
Clubbed antenna [KLUBD ann-TEN-nah] the outer antennal segments are expanded, enlarged, or swollen and resemble a club.
Clypeus [KLI-pee-us] the area on an insect's face located below the frons and above the labrum (upper lip).
Cobweb [kob-wehb] - a loose, irregular web made by certain types of spiders.
Cocoon [KAH-coon] a silken case in which a pupa is formed; common in moths and some beetles and fleas (see also chrysalis).
Coleoptera [kole-ee-OP-tera] the largest group of insects, made up of the beetles and weevils, characterized by hard wing covers, chewing mouthparts, and complete metamorphosis.
Coleopterist [kole-ee-OP-tur-ist] a person who studies the life cycles, behavior, ecology, or diversity of beetles as their work or hobby.
Collembola [kole-LEM-bow-lah] one of the primitive insect groups, made up of the springtails, characterized by wingless bodies with a spring mechanism, chewing mouthparts, and gradual metamorphosis.
Collophore [KOLL-oh-four] a suckerlike structure found on the underside of a springtail's first abdominal segment; it is thought to absorb water, produce certin chemicals, and function as a suction cup
Colony [KOL-lon-knee] an organized group of the same kind of insects that live together, usually in some type of a nest, and depend upon each other for survival.
Common name [KOM-un name] the name of an insect that is used only in a particular region or country; not a universal name (see also scientific name).
Common species [KOM-un SPEE-sees] a species that occurs frequently in its habitat.
Complete metamorphosis [kum-PLEAT met-ah-MOR-fo-sis] a type of development consisting of four distinct stages - egg, larva, pupa and adult.
Compound eye [KOM-pound i] the major insect eye, composed of many individual facets or lenses.
Compressed [KOM-presd] flattened laterally (from side to side).
Contiguous [kun-TIG-you-us] touching each other.
Convex [kon-VEX] having a curved form that bulges outward (resembling the outer surface of a sphere).
Corium [kore-EE-um] the elongated, usually thickened, basal part of the front wing in members of the true bugs (Heteroptera/Hemiptera).
Cornicle [KOR-nick-ul] one of a pair of tubular structures extending from the posterior part of an aphid's abdomen.
Costa [KOSS-tah] a stout vein that forms the front edge of an insect's wing.
Coxa [COCKS-ah] (pl. coxae [COCKS-ee]) the basal segment of the insect leg, closest to the body.
Crackers [KRAK-urs] the common name for certain grasshoppers (locusts) and butterflies that make a loud "crackling" sound when they fly.
Crawler [KRAWL-er] the active first immature of a scale insect.
Cremaster [cree-MASS-tur] a hook-like spine located on the top or bottom of a Lepidoptera pupa that is designed to anchor the pupa to a branch or other object.
Crenate [KREN-ate] having the margin evenly notched with rounded teeth.
Crenulate [KREN-you-late] having the margin finely notched with small, rounded teeth.
Crepitating [KREP-ih-tate-ing] the act of making a crackling noise created by the flashing and snapping of an insects wings.
Crepuscular [kre-PUS-que-lar] active before sunrise and at twilight.
Crochets [kro-SHAYS] the hooked spines at the tip of the prolegs of caterpillars.
Cross band [kross band] a more-or-less broad stripe or marking across the body.
Cross vein [kross vane] a vein connecting adjacent longitudinal veins.
Cylindrical [si-lin-dri-kull] round, or cylindrical, in cross section (like a garden hose).
Cryptic coloration [KRIP-tick kull-or-A-shun] color patterns or markings that render an animal less visually apparent because they distort or disguise the outline, shape or form of the body, thereby providing a degree of protection from predators; examples of cryptic coloration include the stripes of tiger beetles (and zebras).
Crustacea [kruss-TAY-sha] one of the classes of arthropods; includes water-dwelling crabs, shrimp, crayfish and lobsters, and land-dwelling isopods or sowbugs.
Crustacean [kruss-TAY-shun] a type of small animal characterized by a hard external skeleton, two body sections, 5-7 pairs of legs, two pair of antennae, and simple eyes; common examples of crustaceans include barnacles, shrimp, crayfish, lobsters, crabs, and sowbugs/pillbugs.
Cuneus [Q-knee-us] a more or less triangular apical piece of the corium located along the margin at the apical tip, set off from the rest of the corium by a suture; part of the hemelytron in true bugs (Heteroptera/Hemiptera).
Cursorial [kur-SORE-ee-ul] fitted for running, as in the leg of a cockroach or tiger beetle.
Cuticle [Q-tickle] the noncellular outer layer of the body wall of an arthropod (see also chitin).
Dentate [den-tate] toothed.
Denticulate [den-TICK-u-late] with tiny, toothlike bumps.
Dermaptera [dur-MAP-ter-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the earwigs, characterized by short, hardened wing covers, chewing mouthparts, pincerlike abdominal cerci, and gradual metamorphosis.
Diapause [DIE-ah-paws] a period of arrested development.
Dichotomous key [die-KOT-ah-muss kee] an identification tool that uses paired statements to assist a person in learning the identity of an insect (or other organism).
Dip net [dip net] a special type of net used to collect aquatic insects from various types of aquatic habitats. These nets are usually characterized by their D-shaped wire hoop and durable canvas-sided net bag.
Diplopoda [dip-low-POH-dah] one of the classes of arthropods, commonly referred to as millipedes, and characterized by a cylindrical, two-parted body (head and many-segmented trunk), and one pair of antennae; the trunk segments each bear two pairs of legs.
Diptera [DIP-tur-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the gnats, mosquitoes, and true flies, characterized by a single pair of membranous wings, sucking mouthparts, and complete metamorphosis.
Dipterist [dip-TUR-ist] a person who studies the life cycles, behavior, ecology, or diversity of flies as their work or hobby.
Disruptive coloration [dis-RUP-tiv kull-or-A-shun] a special type of camouflage that uses irregular patterns to break up (disrupt) the outline of an animal's body making it difficult to see.
Distribution [dis-tri-BU-shun] the geographical area inhabited by an animal species.
Diurnal [die-UR-nal] active during the daylight hours.
Doodlebug [DO-dull-bug] a common name for the larvae of antlions or tiger beetles, which dig pits in the sand for capturing ants and other insects.
Dormancy [DOOR-man-see] a period of inactivity, usually during periods of extreme weather conditions.
Dorsal [DOOR-sull] top or uppermost; pertaining to the back or upper side.
Dorsoventrally [DOOR-sew-VEN-trul-lee] - reference to an insect's body in the top to bottom aspect, as in dorsoventrally flattened.
Drone [drohn] a male bee (see also queen).
Dung [dung] animal waste (excrement).
Ecdysis [ek-DYE-sis] the process of molting, or shedding the exoskeleton.
Ectoparasite [ek-toe-PAIR-ah-site] a parasite that lives and feeds on the outside of its host.
Egg [ehg] the first stage in an insect's life cycle, consisting of a developing embryo, food-yolk, membrane and outer shell (chorion).
Elongate [ee-LAWN-gate] long in proportion to width; stretched out and slender.
Elytron [ee-LYE-tron] (pl., elytra [ee-LYE-trah]) a thickened, armor-like forewing, found in the beetles and weevils (Coleoptera) and earwigs (Dermaptera).
Embioptera [em-bee-OP-ter-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the webspinners, characterized by slender bodies, wings absent or membranous, chewing mouthparts, and gradual metamorphosis.
Emarginate [ee-MAR-jin-ate] notched.
Emergence [ee-MERJ-ants] the act of an adult insect leaving the pupal case or the last immature exoskeleton.
Emergence trap [ee-MERJ-ants trap] a special trap used to collect insects as they emerge from the soil or water.
Endangered species [en-DANE-jurd SPEE-shes] an animal or plant species that is close to extinction.
Endemic species [en-DEM-ick SPEE-shes] a species that occurs in a very restricted area, such as a particular island or mountain range.
Endoparasite [EN-dough-par-ah-site] a parasite that lives and feeds inside its host.
Engorged [en-gorjd] filled with blood, as in a tick after a complete blood-meal, usually resulting in a disproportionally enlarged abdomen.
Entomologist [en-toe-MOL-oh-jist] a person who studies the life cycles, behavior, ecology, or diversity of insects as their work or hobby.
Entomology [en-toe-MOL-oh-gee] the study of insects, their life cycles, behavior, ecology, diversity and control.
Entomophobia [en-toe-MO-fo-bee-ah] an unreasonable (irrational) fear of insects.
Ephemeroptera [eh-fem-ur-OP-tera] one of the insect groups, made up of the mayflies, characterized by membranous wings, nonfunctional mouthparts, two or three abdominal cerci, and incomplete metamorphosis.
Epidermis [eh-pee-DUR-miss] the living, cellular layer of the insect cuticle, which is responsible for secreting the compounds that form the hard, non-living outer cuticle. Also sometimes called the hypodermis.
Eversible gland [e-VUR-si-bull gland] a special caterpillar "stink" gland, located within the prothorax; when frightened, the caterpillar inflates this inside-out gland suddenly making it visible.
Evolve [ee-vahlv] to change and develop by a natural process, becoming better adapted to a given environment.
Exoskeleton [ex-o-SKEL-ah-ton] the skeleton or supporting structure on the outside of an arthropod's body.
Extinct species [x-TINCT SPEE-shes] a plant or animal species that has died out.
Exuviae [x-OOH-vee-ah] the cast (shed) exoskeleton of an arthropod.
Eyespot [i-spot] a circular, eyelike marking on the body or wing of an insect that is usually used to frighten possible predators away.
Falcate [FAHL-kate] sickle-shaped.
Family [fam-ILL-lee] an animal classification category, consisting of a group of closely related genera of similar animals, such as the tiger beetle family.
Femur [fee-MUR] (pl., femora [fem-OR-ah]) the third leg segment, located just below the trochanter and just above the tibia.
Filiform [FILL-ih-form] hairlike or thread (usually referring to antennae).
Foodplant [food-plant] the preferred host plant for a plant-eating insects such as a caterpillar or beetle.
Forage [four-aj] to wander about in search of food.
Forceps [FOUR-seps] a tool for picking up small insect or arachnid specimens; also known as tweezers.
Foreleg [four-leg] one of the two front legs on an insect's body.
Forewing [four-wing] one of the two wings that make up the front pair of an insect's wings.
Formicarium [four-MIH-kare-ee-um] an artificial ant nest; an ant farm.
Fossa [FOSS-ah] a deep pit.
Fossorial [foss-ORE-ee-al] equipped with special body parts for digging in the soil.
Foveae [FOV-ee-ah] small deep pits sometinmes found on the surface of an insect's body.
Foveate - surface of body covered with numerous depressions or pits.
Frass [fras] plant fragments made by plant-feeding insects, usually mixed with excrement.
Frons [fronz] that portion of the face between the antennae, eyes and ocelli.
Front [frunt] that portion of the face between the antennae, eyes and ocelli (also called the frons).
Furcula [FUR-q-lah] a forked, spring-like apparatus located on the abdomen of a springtail (Collembola).
Fuscous [FUSS-kuss] dark brown, composed of a mixture of red and brown.
Gall [gawl] an abnormal growth (tumor) of plant tissues caused by the stimulus of an insects, bacteria, or another plant.
Ganglion [GANG-lee-on] (pl., ganglia [gang-lee-ah]) a knotlike swelling of the insect nerve cord that contains a concentration of coordinating nerve cells
Gena [GEE-nah] the lower side of an insect's face; the cheeks.
Generation [jen-urr-A-shun] - a group of insects (or other arthropods) having a common parent or parents and comprising a single level in the line of descent.
Genus [GEE-nus] (pl., GEN-err-ah] an animal classification category composed of a group of closely related species.
Gill [gill] a breathing organ used to take oxygen out of the water.
Gill slits [gil slitss] openings on the sides of some isopods (sowbugs and pillbugs) through which they breathe.
Glabrate [GLAH-brate] almost glabrous.
Glabrous [GLAY-brus] smoooth and hairless (opposite = pubescent).
Gland [gland] - a structure that secretes a substance essential to a living organism's survival.
Glassine envelope [GLASS-een EN-vel-ope] a wrapper made of smooth, transparent paper that is used to store insect specimens, especially butterflies, moths, and dragonflies.
Globose [GLOW-bose] rounded, globular, or marble-shaped.
Globular [GLOWB-you-lar] with a round shape, like that of a marble.
Gradual metamorphosis [GRAD-u-awl met-ah-MORE-fuh-sis] a relatively simple type of insect development with three distinct stages - egg, nymph, and adult.
Granulate [gran-YOU-late] covered with small granules, or grain-like lumps (usually referring to the sculpturing of the exoskeleton).
Gregarious [greh-GARE-ee-us] living in groups and without a well-defined social structure (see also solitary).
Greenbug [green-bug] the common name for certain types of aphids that feed on crop plants.
Grub [grub] a type of insect larva that is curved (C-shaped), sometimes legless, and whitish in color; larvae of certain beetles, wasps, and ants.
Guard bees [gard bees] the worker bees that wait by the entrance of the hive and attack intruders and trespassers.
Habitat [HAB-ih-tat] the special living conditions preferred by an animal; an animal's home, one that provides food, water, shelter and living space.
Haemolymph [HE-moh-limf] the fluid that circulates in the body cavity of an insect, commonly thought of as "insect blood" (although it does do carry oxygen like mammal blood does).
Haltere [hall-TUR] (pl., halteres [hall-TEARS]) a small knob-like balancing organ located in place of the hindwing in the true flies (Diptera).
Head [hed] the frontal body region; the section which bears the antennae, eyes, and mouthparts.
Hellgrammite [HELL-gram-ite] the aquatic larva of a dobsonfly.
Hemelytron [hem-ee-LYE-tron] (plural, hemelytra [hem-ee-LYE-trah]) a two-textured forewing, found in the true bugs (Hemiptera), that is thickened at the base and membranous at the tip.
Hemiptera [he-MIP-tare-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the true bugs, characterized by half leathery/half membranous forewings (hemelytra), sucking mouthparts, and gradual metamorphosis.
Herbivorous [her-BIV-or-us] feeding on plants (see also phytophagous and carnivorous).
Hibernation [hye-bur-nay-SHUN] a type of animal dormancy that occurs during the winter months.
Hive [hyv] the home of a bee colony.
Homoptera [ho-MOP-tare-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the cicadas, plant hoppers, treehoppers, spittlebugs, aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and scale insects, characterized by uniformly leathery or uniformly membranous forewings, sucking mouthparts, and gradual metamorphosis.
Homopterist [hoe-MOP-tur-ist] a person who studies the life cycles, behavior, ecology, or diversity of homopteran insects as their work or hobby.
Honey [HUN-ee] a special type of bee food, made from partially digested flower nectar.
Honeydew [HUN-ee do] a liquid discharged by certain insects (aphids, scales, mealybugs) that is high in sugar content.
Hormone [HORE-moan] - any of the chemical substances produced by special glands within the bodies of insects, each of which regulates a specific funcation (such as molting, for example).
Host [hohst] the organism in or on which a parasite lives; the plant on which an insect feeds.
Humerus [HEW-mur-us] (pl., humeri [HEW-mur-i]) the shoulder of an insect, formed by the forward angle of the front wings.
Hyaline [HIGH-ah-lin] clear and transparent, like glass.
Hymenoptera [hi-men-OP-tare-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the sawflies, ants, bees, and wasps, characterized by membranous wings, chewing or chewing-lapping mouthparts, and complete metamorphosis.
Hymenopterist [hi-men-OP-tur-ist] a person who studies the life cycles, behavior, ecology, or diversity of wasps and bees as their work or hobby (see also myrmecologist).
Hyperparasite [HIGH-per-pare-ah-site] a parasite whose host is a parasite of another animal.
Hypermetamorphosis [HIGH-per-met-ah-MORE-fo-sis] a variation of complete metamorphosis in which the successive larval instars have quite different forms; occurs in some types of Strepsiptera, Neuroptera (Mantispidae), Coleoptera (Meloidae and some Staphylinidae), Diptera (Nemestrinidae, Bombyliidae and Acroceridae), Hymenoptera (Peerilampidae anmd Eucharitidae) and Lepidoptera (Gracillariidae and Epipyropidae).
Hypodermis [eh-pee-DUR-miss] the living, cellular layer of the insect cuticle, which is responsible for secreting the compounds that form the hard, non-living outer cuticle. Also sometimes called the epidermis.
Immaculate [ihm-MACK-you-late] lacking nay spots or other markings.
Imago [im-MAH-go] (pl., imagoes [im-MAH-goes]) the adult or reproductive stage of an insect.
Impressed [ihm-PRESSED] having shallow depressed, sunken or indented areas. (See also punctate)
Impunctate [ihm-PUNK-tate] lacking punctures. (See also punctate)
Inchworm [inch wurm] a type of caterpillar that moves in a "slinky" fashion (because it is lacking prolegs on the middle part of the abdomen).
Incomplete metamorphosis [in-kum-PLEET met-ah-MORE-fuh-sis] a moderately complex type of insect development with three distinct stages - egg, naiad, and adult.
Insect [IN-sekt] a type of small animal characterized by a hard external skeleton, three body sections, six legs, single pair of antennae, wings, and compound eyes; common examples of insects include grasshoppers, true bugs, beetles, butterflies, moths, true flies, ants, bees and wasps.
Insectarium [in-sek-TARE-ee-um] a building for raising and displaying live insects; an insect zoo.
Insectary [in-SEK-tair-ee] a special building for raising large quantities of beneficial insects.
Insecticide [in-sek-tih-side] any poisonous substance used to kill insects.
Insectivorus [in-sek-TIV-or-us] feeding on insects.
Instar [IN-star] the stage of an insect between successive molts; for example, the first instar is the stage between hatching and the first molt.
Interval [IN-tru-vuhl] the space between two structures or rows of sculpturing.
Introduced species [in-trow-DUCED SPEE-shes] a plant or animal that has been brought to an area it does not normally occur; the gypsy moth in an example of an introduced insect in North America.
Iridescence [ear-ee-DESS-ense]- the production of color by diffraction of light, which results in color changes when viewed at different angles.
Isopod [EYE-sew-pod] an animal that has an exoskeleton, three main body parts and seven pairs of legs; commonly called sowbugs and pillbugs.
Isoptera [eye-SOP-ter-ah] one of the social insect groups, made up of the termites, characterized by membranous wings (reproductives), beadlike antennae, chewing mouthparts, and gradual metamorphosis.
Inquiline [IN-qwi-line] an animal that lives in the nest of another animal, such as the scarab beetles that live in ant nests.
Invertebrate [in-VUR-teh-brate] any of the types of animals that lack a backbone (spine), including molluscs, arthropods, worms, etc.
Irridescent [ear-ih-des-ent] a shiny, rainbow-colored tint produced by the bending (reflection) of light (looks like oil or gas spilled on water) (see also pigment).
Isopoda [eye-so-PO-dah] an order of the class crustacea, comprised of sowbugs and pillbugs, that are characterized by terrestrial habits and dome-shaped bodies.
Joint [joynt] a flexible area that permit movement of two adjoining body parts or appendages.
Keel [keehl] a narrow, elevated ridge or carina.
Label [LAY-bull] a small paper tag used to record information about a specimen, such as the locality, date and collector(s) [locality label], identification [determination label], or habits [bionomics label].
Labial palp [LAY-bee-ul palp] one of a pair of feeler-like or antenna-like structures arising from the labium, or lower "lip".
Labium [lay-BEE-um] the lower lip, composed of a broad shovellike plate and fingerlike palps.
Labrum [LAY-brum] the upper lip, lying just below the clypeus on the front of the head.
Lateral [LAT-ur-ul] on or pertaining to the side (that is, left or right side).
Laterally flattened [LAT-ur-ul-ee flat-end] - flattened from side to side (as if compressed from both the left and right sides).
Larva [lar-VAH] (pl., larvae [lar-VEE]) the immature stage, between the egg and the pupa, of an insect having complete metamorphosis (see also complete metamorphosis).
Leaf miner [leef MINE-ur] an insect that lives and feeds on the leaf cells between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf.
Lepidoptera [lep-ih-DOP-ter-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the moths, skippers, and butterflies, characterized by scale-covered wings, coiled siphoning mouthparts, and complete metamorphosis.
Lepidopterist [lep-ih-DOP-tur-ist] a person who studies the life cycles, behavior, ecology, or diversity of butterflies, moths ansd skippers as their work or hobby.
Life cycle [life SI-cull] the sequence of all developmental events that occur from birth (egg hatch) to reproduction (mating and egg laying).
Lineate [LINN-ee-ate] longitudinally marked with raised or depressed parallel lines.
Lineolate [LINN-ee-oh-late] longitudinally marked with very fine raised or depressed parallel lines.
Locust [LOW-kust] a type of large grasshopper with short antennae; this word is also used to refer to adult cicadas in some parts of the country.
Longitudinal [lawn-gee-TWO-din-ul] lengthwise of the body or of an appendage (leg, wing, etc.).
Looper [lew-PURR] a caterpillar that moves by looping its body, that is, placing the posterior part of the abdomen next to the thorax and then extending the front part of the body forward; also known as a measuringworm or inchworm.
Lunate [loon-NATE] crescent (moon)-shaped.
Lunule [LOON-ewl] a cresent shaped marking, as found in some tiger beetles and moths.
Macropterous [mak-CROP-tur-us] long-winged (see also brachypterous).
Macula [MACK-you-lah] a pale marking found on the body or wings of an insect; especially common in the beetles.
Maculation [mack-you-LAY shun] a pattern of spots on a surface.
Maggot [mah-GUT] a legless larva without a well-developed head capsule; the larva of a fly.
Malaise trap [ma-LAYS trap] a large, tentlike trap made out of netting used to catch flying insects.
Malaria [mah-LAIR-ee-ah] a human disease caused by tiny single-celled protozoan parasite called Plasmodium that is carried and spread by certain mosquitoes (of the genus Anopheles).
Mallophaga [ma-LAH-fah-gah] one of the insect groups, made up of the chewing lice, characterized by flattened, wingless bodies, chewing mouthparts, and gradual metamorphosis.
Malphigian tubules [mal-PIJ-ee-an TWO-bools] the part of an insect's intestinal system that absorbs waste products from the body cavity.
Manca [MAN-cuh] a newborn isopod (pillbug or sowbug); mancas are white and have only six pairs of legs.
Mandibles [MAN-dih-bulls] the paired, pincer-like jaws of an insect with chewing mouthparts, such as grasshoppers, cockroaches, beetles and ants.
Mantodea [man-TOE-dee-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the praying mantids, characterized by leathery wings, chewing mouthparts, raptorial forelegs, and gradual metamorphosis.
Margined [MAR-jind] with a sharp lateral (outside) edge.
Mate [mayt] an insect's reproductive partner.
Mating [MAY-ting] the act by which male and female insects join together using special parts of their bodies. After they’ve mated, the female can lay eggs.
Maxilla [max-ILL-uh] (pl. maxillae [max-ILL-ee]) one of a pair of fingerlike mouthpart appendages located below the labrum.
Maxillary palp [max-ILL-airy palp] a small fingerlike structure arising from the maxilla.
Mealworm [MEEL-werm] a type of slender, hardbodied beetle larva, generally found in grains and cereals, that developes into a type of darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae).
Meconium [meh-CONE-ee-um] a reddish fluid found in the chrysalis of some butterflies that is made up of the leftover coloring and tissues from wing formation; it frequently leaks out of the chrysalis when the butterfly emerges.
Mecoptera [me-COP-ter-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the scorpionflies, characterized by membranous wings, elongate faces with chewing mouthparts, a scorpion-shaped abdomen (male only), and complete metamorphosis.
Membrane [MEM-brain] a thin layer of tissue, usually referring to the area of the wing between the veins or a tympanum (eardrum).
Membranous wings [mem-bran-NUS wings] insect wings made of a thin film of tissue that is usually transparent.
Mesothorax [MEZ-oh THOR-axe] the middle, or second, segment of the thorax.
Metamorphosis [met-ah-MORE-fuh-sis] change in form during development. (See also complete metamorphosis, gradual metamorphosis, and incomplete meatamorphosis.)
Mesosternum [mez-oh-STIR-num] the underside of the middle, or second, segment of the thorax.
Metathorax [MET-ah THOR-axe] the rear, or third, segment of the thorax.
Micropyle [my-KROW-ile] a tiny hole in the tough outer covering of an insect egg that allows entry of male sperm.
Migration [my-gray-shun] the regular movement of an animal species from one area to another, usually in response to a change in the seasons.
Millipede [mill-IH-peed] a type of small animal characterized by a hard external skeleton, two body sections, more than 30 pairs of legs (two pair per trunk segment), a pair of antennae, chewing mouthparts, and simple eyes.
Mimicry [mim-eh-KREE] the ability of an insect to imitate or mimic another species of animal or plant in form and color, sometimes behavior as well.
Minuten [my-NEW-tin] very tiny pins for mounting small insect specimens.
Molt [mohlt] the process of shedding the exoskeleton.
Moniliform [mahn-nil-EE-form] beadlike, with rounded segments (usually referring to antennae).
Mosquitohawk [mos-KEE-toe-hawk] a nickname for the dragonfly.
Mouthparts [MOWTH-parts] the collection of body appendages used by insects to take in food.
Mucus [MEW-kuss] a slimy, protective substance produced by the body.
Myrmecologist [mir-meh-KOLL-eh-jist] a person who studies the life cycles, behavior, ecology, or diversity of ants as their work or hobby (see also hymenopterist).
Myriapods [MIR-ee-ah-pods] those arthropods with many legs (more than 15 pair), that is the centipedes and millipedes.
Naiad [NYE-add] an aquatic, gill-breathing immature insect (see also incomplete metamorphosis).
Nectar [nek-TAR] a sugary liquid produced by flowers to help attract insect pollinators.
Neuroptera [nur-OP-ter-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the dobsonflies, fishflies, alderflies, spongillaflies, owlflies, snakeflies, antlions, and lacewings, characterized by membranous wings, chewing mouthparts, and complete metamorphosis.
Nit [nit] the egg of a louse, which is glued to the hair of its host.
Nocturnal [knock-TUR-null] active at night.
Nodus [KNOW-duss] a strong cross vein near the middle of the costal border of the wing; a stigma.
Notum [KNOW-tum] (pl., nota [KNOW-tah]) the dorsal or top surface of the thorax.
Nursery [NUR-sir-ee] a place where eggs or young are cared for.
Nymph [nimf] an immature wingless stage (following hatching) that does not have a pupal stage (see also gradual metamorphosis).
Obtuse [obb-TOOSE] not pointed and forming an angle of greater than 90 degrees.
Occiput [OSS-si-put] the back of the head, above the neck.
Ocellus [oh-SELL-us] (pl., ocelli [oh-SELL-ee]) a simple eye of an insect or other arthropod.
Odonata [oh-dough-NAT-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the dragonflies and damselflies, characterized by membranous wings, bristlelike antennae, long, slender bodies, chewing mouthparts, and incomplete metamorphosis
Ommatidium [oh-ma-TID-eum] a single unit or visual section of a compound eye.
Omnivorous [ahm-NIH-vor-us] - feeding on a wide variety of both plant and animal materials.
Ootheca [oh-oh-THEE-kah] (pl., oothecae [oh-oh-THEE-kee] the covering or case of an egg mass, commonly found in some of the. orthopteroid insects (grasshoppers, cockroaches, and mantids).
Opiliones [oh-PILL-ee-on-ees] an order of the class Arachnida, comprised of the harvestment or daddy-long- legs, which are characterized by a compact one-piece body and very long legs.
Organ [ORE-guhn] a part of the body that performs a function.
Orthoptera [oar-THOP-tera] one of the insect groups, made up of the grasshoppers, grouse locusts, katydids, crickets, and mole crickets, characterized by leathery forewings, chewing mouthparts, and gradual metamorphosis.
Ova [OH-vah] an insect egg.
Overwinter [oh-ver-WIN-tur] - the process by which an insect survives the winter months; also known as hibernation or diapause.
Oviparous [oh-VIP-ah-russ] reproduction by means of externally deposited eggs.
Oviviviparous [oh-vee-vye-VIP-ah-russ] reproduction by means of eggs that are keep inside the body of the mother insect until they are ready to hatch; common in some types of cockroaches.
Oviposit [oh-vee-POZ-it] the act of depositing eggs.
Ovipositor [oh-vee-POS-i-tor] the elongate structure located at the tip of a female insect's abdomen that helps her lay the eggs; the ovipositor may be especially designed for putting eggs into wood, soil, or other animals; some insects (like bees and wasps) may have the ovipositor modified into a stinger.
Palp [palp] a segmented extension, fingerlike in shape, associated with the mouthparts.
Parasite [pair-AH-site] an animal that lives on or in the body of another animal (its host), and which usually does not kill its host or consume a large proportion of its tissue.
Parthenogenesis [par-then-o-JEN-ih-sis] the ability to produce fertile eggs without male involvement.
Pathogen [PATH-oh-jen] a living organism capable of causing a disease in another organism; a germ.
Pectinate [PEK-tin-ate] with branches or projections like the teeth of a comb; usally referring to antennae or tarsal claws.
Pectine [PECK-tine] a "T" or "Y"-shaped appendage on the abdomen of a scorpion that has sensory functions.
Pedicel [ped-ih-sell] the second segment of an insect's antenna.
Pedipalp [ped-ee-palp] one of a pair of hooklike appendages on a spider's cephalothorax, roughly equivalant to an insect's mandibles.
Pedunculate [pehd-DUNK-que-late] set on a stalk, as when two body parts separated by a petiole or pedicel.
Petiole [pet-EE-ole] the stalk or stem by which the abdomen is attached to the thorax, most commonly seen in some wasps and ants.
Pest [pest] an animal or plant that causes problems for humans.
Phasmatodea [fas-ma-TOE-dee-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the walkingsticks and leaf insects, characterized by short leathery wings (or no wings), chewing mouthparts, slender body, and gradual metamorphosis.
Pheromone [fair-OH-moan] an external substance given off by an insect which causes a specific reaction by other members of the same species; includes trail making pheromones, sex attractants, and alarm substances.
Phoresy [FOUR-ess-see] a relationship between animals where one organism is carried on the body of a larger organism but does not feed upon it. Examples: flies riding on dung beetles and pseudoscorpions riding on flies.
Phylum [fi-lum] (pl., phyla [fi-lah] an animal classification category composed of a group of closely related classes; for example, the phylum Arthropoda consists of several classes including Insecta, Arachnida, Crustacea, Chilopoda, Diplopoda, etc.
Phytophagous [fie-TOF-ah-gus] feeding on plants (see also herbivorous and carnivorous).
Pigment [PIG-ment] chemical substances that produce colors (see also irridescent).
Pilose [PIE-los] densly covered with setae (stiff hairs).
Pincers [pin-sirs] the moveable, two-part claws found on some crustaceans and arachnids.
Pinning block [PIN-ning blok] a specimen preparation used to place specimens and labels at a specific heights on the pin.
Pitfall trap [PIT-fall trap] a trap for catching ground crawling insects, made out of a cuplike container buried in the ground (into which insects fall)
Plant lice [plant lice] another name for aphids.
Plastron [PLASS-tron] a thin layer of air that clings to the bodies of many aquatic insects, allowing them to breathe under water.
Plecoptera [plee-COP-ter-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the stoneflies, characterized by membranous wings, chewing mouthparts, two short abdominal cerci, and incomplete metamorphosis.
Pleuron [plur-on] the side area of a thoracic segment.
Plumose [plew-MOOHS] feather-like (usually referring to antennae, palps, or body hairs).
Poikiltothermic [POY-kill-ow-thur-mik] cold-blooded; dependant on external sources for heating and cooling (such as the air or water).
Point [poy-nt] a small paper triangle to which tiny insect specimens are glued (which is then attached to a regular insect pin).
Poisonous [POY-son-us] describes an animal capable of causing harm to another animal through ingestion (being eaten); a toxic substance is absorbed through the stomach of the victim causing illness or death. (See also venomous).
Pollination [poll-ih-NAY-shun] the transfer of pollen from one flower to another, usually with the assistance of insects.
Pollinose [PAHL-ee-knos] covered with loose, mealy, yellowish dust (similar in appearance to the pollen of flowers).
Polytypic species [polly-tip-ICK] a species that occurs in two or more forms (races or subspecies ).
Population [pop-you-LAY-shun] - a group of animals occupying a specific geographical area or area of habitat.
Posterior [pos-TEAR-ee-or] hind or rear. (opposite - anterior)
Predator [pred-AH-tor] an animal that attacks and feeds on other animals (its prey), usually animals smaller and less powerful than itself.
Prey [pray] the food animal(s) of a predator.
Proboscis [pro-BOSS-iss] the extended, coiled mouthparts of a butterfly or moth (and some other insects).
Prosoma [pro-SO-mah] the forward part of the body of some invertebrates, including molluscs, mites, and harvestmen, characterized by only rudimentary segmentation.
Proleg [PRO-leg] one of the unjointed, fleshy abdominal legs of certain insect larvae, most notably caterpillars and sawflies.
Prominent [PROM-ih-nent] raised or produced above the surface or beyond the margin.
Pronotum [pro-NO-tum] the dorsal body plate of thefirst section of the thorax, which is frequently enlarged and prolonged in many insects.
Prosternum [proh-STIR-num] the underside of the first segment of the thorax.
Prothorax [pro-THOR-axe] the forwardmost of the three thoracic segments of an insect which never bears wings.
Protuberance [pro-TUBE-ir-ans] an area of sculpturing that is markedly higher than the surrounding area.
Protura [pro-TOUR-ah] one of the primitive insect groups, made up of the proturans, characterized by narrow, wingless bodies, sucking mouthparts, and gradual metamorphosis.
Pseudoscorpionida [SUED-oh-score-pee-on-ih-dah] an order in the class Arachnida, comprised of the pseudoscorpions, and characterized by a small, pear-shaped body with two sections, eight legs, simple eyes, and long, prominent pincerlike pedipalps; the most commonly seen pseudoscorpion is the house pseudoscorpion.
Psocoptera [so-COP-ter-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the barklice and booklice, characterized by flattened bodies, membranous wings (sometimes wingless), chewing mouthparts, and gradual metamorphosis.
Pubescent [pew-BESS-ent] covered with short, downy hairs (opposite = glabrous).
Punctate [PUNK-tate] covered with fine impressed points, or punctures, appearing as pin-pricks. (See also impunctate)
Puncture [PUNK-chure] a tiny pit or depression, usually referring to the exoskeleton.
Pupa [PEW-pah] (pl., PEW-pee] the stage between the larva and the adult in an insect with complete metamorphosis (see also cocoon, chrysalis, and puparium).
Pupate [pew-PATE] the act of passing through the pupal stage, transforming from a larva to an adult insect.
Punctate [PUNK-tate] covered with fine punctures, appearing as tiny pin-pricks. (See also impunctate)
Puparium [PEW-pair-ee-um] a protective case formed by the hardening of the next to the last larval skin in which the pupa is formed.
Quadrate [KWAD-rate] squared, or nearly so.
Queen [Kween] the primary reproductive female in a colony of social insects such as bees, wasps, or termites (see also drone).
Raptorial [rap-TOR-ee-all] arthropod legs that are especially fitted for grasping prey.
Rare species [rare SPEE-sees] a species that is extremely uncommon, even in its favored habitat (generally only seen once or twice in a lifetime).
Raster [RAZS-tur] - the large, spiney, terminal abdominal segment of a scarabaeoid larva (grub).
Recurved [wre-KURVD] to curved or bend back, or backward.
Reflexed [WRE-flexd] bent back.
Reflexive bleeding [wre-FLEX-iv BLEE-ding] the ability of some insects to eject or cause defensive fluids to seep through certain weak spots in the intersegmental membranes (often a leg joint).
Reproductive [wree-pro-DUCK-tiv] one of the members of a social insect colony, male and female, that are capable of reproducing; the males are referred to as either drones (bees and wasps) or kings (termites) and the females are referred to as queens.
Resilin [REZ-ih-lin] - a protein found in the insect exoskeleton that gives it elastic-like qualities, and which often aids insects in jumping great distances or being very flexible.
Reticulate [ree-TICK-u-late] lacelike or netlike in texture, usually referring to the exoskeleton.
Rhabdom [rab-dum] the light-sensitive, inner part of an ommatidium (which is part of the compound eye).
Riker mount [RYE-kur mownt] a thin, glass-topped, cotton-filled exhibition case used to display insects and other arthropods.
Rootworm [REWT-werm] a common name for the larva of certain leaf beetles (of the genus Diabrotica).
Royal jelly [ROY-all JELL-ee] a special food served by worker bees that causes selected bee larvae to develop into queens rather than workers.
Rugose [ROO-gohs] wrinkled (usually referring to the surface sculpture of an insect's body).
Saltatorial [sall-tah-TOR-ee-all] adapted for jumping.
Scabrous [skay-brus] rough and irregularly wrinkled, and possessing short, sharp projections.
Scale [skale] a modified seta (hair) that is flattened and generally more-or-less spatula-shaped and found on the wings and/or bodies of most Lepidoptera, some flies (especially mosquitoes) and some beetles (such as Dermestidae); this term also applies to the dome-shaped, protective cover of a scale insect (Homoptera).
Scape [skape] the first, or basal, segment of an insect's antenna.
Scarabaeiform [scare-ah-bee-ih-form] an immature insect (larva) characterized by a fleshy, curved (C-shaped) body with distinct legs (but limited mobility).
Scavenger [SKAV-en-jer] an animal that feeds on the remains of dead plant or animal matter.
Schmitt box [sh-mitt box] a wood box, measuring approximately 9" by 14", that has a foam or cardboard bottom and is used to store pinned insect specimens.
Scientific name [si-en-TIF-ick name] the internationally recognized Latin name of an animal or plant; the scientific name actually consists of two parts - the genus and the species (see also common name).
Sclerite [sklair-ite] one of the individual pieces (plates) of an insect's exoskeleton, usually separated from other sclerites by a suture or membranous area.
Scleritized [sklair-ih-tiezd] - having a thick, armor-like body covering.
Scorpionida [SCORE-pee-on-ih-dah] an order of the class Arachnida, comprised of the true scorpions, which are characterized by a long body divided into two sections, eight legs, prominent pincerlike pedipalps, and simple eyes. The abdomen is formed into a long tail with a stinger at the tip; common examples of scorpions include bark scorpions, hairy scorpions, forest scorpions, and emperor scorpions.
Sculpture [SKULP-chur] the patterns of impressions and/or raised areas on the surface of the body.
Scutellum [skew-TELL-um] a segment of the pronotum, appearing as a more or less triangular segment behind the pronotum, most noticable in the true bugs (Hemiptera), cicadas and relatives (Homoptera) and the beetles (Coleoptera).
Secrete [seh-kREET] to make and give off something, such as mucus or poison.
Segment [seg-MENT] a subdivision of the body or of an appendage, between joints (sutures).
Serrate [CER-rate] with a saw-like edge (usually referring to antennae, claws, or sides of the body).
Sessile [SESS-ill] an insect that is unable to move because it is either legless or attached to an object (as in a scale insect).
Seta [SEE-tah] (pl., setae [SEE-tee] an external bristle, or stout hair.
Setaceous [see-TAY-shush] bristlelike in form.
Shell [shel] a hard, usually calcium-based, outer covering on an animal, such as in snails, clams, and turtles. Sometimes used to refer to the chitinous exoskeleton of arthropods.
Silk [silk] a continuous, threadlike chemical (protein) produced by special glands located in the mouthparts of certain insects (such as caterpillars, caddisflies, fleas and beetles) which may be used to capture food or to build a protective case (cocoon); silk is also produced by the abdominal silk glands of spiders and spun out through the spinnerets (and is used for building webs, ballooning, making egg sacs, etc.).
Siphon [SI-fun] a slender breathing tube used by some aquatic insects so that they can stay under water while at the same time breathing air through the tube.
Siphonaptera [sigh-fun-AP-ter-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the fleas, characterized by wingless, sideways flattened bodies, jumping legs, sucking mouthparts, and complete metamorphosis.
Snakedoctor [snake dock-tur] a nickname for dragonflies; sometimes also referred to as snakecharmers.
Snow flea [snow flee] a type of springtail (Collembola) that often occurs on the surface of the snow in the late winter and early spring.
Social [SO-shull] insects that live in groups and whose individual behavior is controlled by other members of the same species; social behavior is found in termites, ants, bees and some wasps.
Soldier [SOL-gur] the members of a social insect colony that are usually female (often equipped with large heads and mandibles), that have responsibility for protecting the nest.
Solfugae [soul-few-gee] an order of the class of Arachnida, comprised of the windscorpions or sun scorpions, characterized by enormous paired chelicerae, thick, leglike pedipalps (used as feelers), and tiny front legs.
Solitary [sol-EH-tarry] living alone, and not in groups (see also gregarious).
Sparse [spar-ss] scattered and spread irregularly and some distance apart, often used in reference to hairs, scales and bristles.
Species [spee-shees] a group of similar looking organisms that can and do reproduce with one another and which cannot breed successfully with other species.
Spider [SPY-dur] a type of small animal characterized by a hard external skeleton, two body sections, eight legs, and simple eyes; common examples of spiders include wolf spiders, crab spiders, widow spiders, jumping spiders, trapdoor spiders, and tarantulas.
Spiderling [SPY-dur-ling] an immature (young) spider.
Spine [sp-eye-n] a sharp, thornlike outgrowth of the exoskeleton.
Spinose [SPY-knos] armed with thorny spines.
Spinneret [SPIN-erh-ret] a structure with which silk is spun, usually fingerlike in shape.
Spiracle [SPEAR-ah-kuhl] an external opening of the tracheal respiratory system; a breathing pore.
Spittle [spit-uhl] a protective, waterlike substance produced by the immatures of the spittlebugs (froghoppers).
Spreading board [SPRED-ing bord] a specimen preparation tool used to hold insect wings (especially on butterflies and moths) in place with the specimen is drying.
Spurious vein [SPUR-ee-us vane] a faint, partially developed longitudinal vein that occurs on the wings of flower flies.
Sternum [STIR-num] a segment on the underside of the body (located between the legs).
Stigma [STIG-mah] a thickening and darkening of the wing membrane along the front edge near the tip.
Stinger [sting-ur] a modified egg-laying organ used to inject venom; commonly found on females of some ants, as well as bees, wasps, and scorpions.
Strepsiptera [strep-SIP-ter-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the twisted-winged parasites or stylopids, characterized by wingless or winged bodies (one twisted pair of forewings), nonfunctional mouthparts, and complete metamorphosis; many experts consider these to be a type of parasitic beetle in the family Stylopidae.
Striate [STRI-ate] covered with narrow grooves or lines, usually referring to the texture of the exoskeleton.
Stridulate [strid-u-late] to make sound by rubbing two body parts together, such as the two wings or a wing and a leg.
Stylet [STI-let] a needle-like structure; one of the piercing structures in sucking mouthparts.
Subglobular [sub-GLOWB-you-lar] almost, but not quite, with a round shape. (see globular and globose).
Subimago [sub-EH-mah-go] a special type of immature adult, found only in the mayflies (Ephemeroptera).
Subspecies [sub-SPEE-shees] a subdivision of a species, usually a geographic race that varies in size, color, or other characteristics; the different subspecies of a species are ordinarily not sharply differentiated and intergrade with one another as they are capable of interbreeding.
Substrate [SUB-strait] an area or surface that lies beneath an insect, usually referring to the ground and/or soil type.
Subterranean [sub-tur-RAIN-ee-an] referring to underground.
Sucking mouthparts [SUCK-ing mouth-parts] - the collection of modified body appendages (mandibles, labrum, maxillae and labium) which are used by insects to take in liquid food.
Sulcate [SULL-kate] deeply furrowed or grooved.
Suture [sue-CHUR] an external line-like groove in the exoskeleton, or a narrow membranous area between segments.
Sympatric [simm-PAT-rick] two or more species inhabiting the same geographical area.
Synonomy [sin-NON-oh-me] two or names given for the same organism.
Tarantula hawk [tah-RAN-chew-lah hawk] a type of large wasps that preys upon tarantulas and other large spiders; the state insect of New Mexico.
Tarsal claw [tar-SULL klaw] one of a pair of claws located near the tip of the last tarsal segment.
Tarsal formula [tar-SULL FOR-mu-lah] the number of tarsal segments on the front, middle, and hind tarsi, respectively; e.g., 5-5-4.
Tarsus [tar-SUS] (pl., tarsi [tar-SEE]) the leg segment beyond the tibia, composed of 3 to 5 small segments.
Tegmen [teg-MEN] (pl., tegmina [teg-MEAN-ah]) the thickened, leathery forewing of a grasshopper, cricket, mantid, or cockroach.
Teneral [TEN-ur-ul] a recently molted condition, indicated by a soft, pale-colored exoskeleton.
Terete [tear-ET] cylindrical, or nearly so.
Tergum [TUR-gum] a top surface of an insect's abdominal segment.
Terminal [TUR-min-ull] at the end or tip; or, the last of a series (as in at the tip of the abdomen).
Termitarium [tur-mih-TARE-ee-um] (pl., termitaria [tur-mih-TARE-ee-ah]) huge mounds (as high as 20 feet or as broad as 100 yards) made of mud cemented with saliva which are used by some species of termites as a residence. Inside the mounds are chambers and galleries which provide ventilation and through which the inhabitants can wander freely. There is a central chamber in which the huge queen spends her time laying eggs, and in other chambers fungi are grown that reduce the wood on which the termites feed to a more digestible form.
Terrestrial [tare-RES-tree-ahl] living on land (see also aquatic).
Territory [TARE-ih-tore-ee] an area of habitat that if occupied and defended by a single individual or a small group of an animal species.
Thorax [THOR-axe] the body region behind the head, which bears the legs and wings (when present).
Thysanoptera [thigh-san-OP-ter-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the thrips, characterized by fringed wings, rasping mouthparts, and incomplete metamorphosis.
Tibia [TIB-ee-ah] the fourth segment of the leg, located between the femur and tarsus; usually long and slender.
Toxignaths [TOX-ig-nayths] the first pair of legs in the centipedes that are modified into poison pincers for catching prey.
Toxin [TOX-inn] a poison produced by an animal or plant, usually for defense against other creatures.
Trachea [TRAK-ee-ah] a tube of the respiratory system, ending externally at the spiracle and terminating internally at the tracheoles.
Tracheoles [TRAK-ee-ols] the fine terminal branches of the respiratory tubes.
Trait [trayt] a unique feature or ability of an animal.
Translucent [tranz-LEW-sent] allowing light to pass through; neither transparent nor opaque.
Transparent [tranz-PAIR-ent] - a clear surface that is easily seen through with little or no distortion.
Transverse [tranz-VURS] across the body or appendage, at right angles to the longitudinal axis.
Trichoptera [try-COP-ter-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the caddisflies, characterized by hairy, mothlike wings, long hairlike antennae, nonfunctional mouthparts, and complete metamorphosis.
Trilobita [try-low-BITE-ah] one of the classes of arthropods, now extinct, commonly known as trilobites; trilobites were sea dwelling arthropods characterized by flattened, oval or teardrop-shaped segmented bodies.
Triungulan [try-UN-gew-lan] the tiny, highly mobile first instar campodieform larva of insects that undergo hypermetamorphosis.
Trochanter [tro-KAN-tur] the second segment of the leg, after the coxa and before the femur.
Truncate [trun-KATE] cut off; squared at the end.
Tuberculate [two-BURR-que-late] covered with small tubercles.
Tubercles [TWO-burr-kulls] small, solid, pimple-shaped or button-shaped bumps sometimes found on the exoskeleton of insects and other arthropods.
Tympanum [tim-PAN-umm] (pl., tympana [tim-PAN-ah]) a membrane that is capable of vibrating (for sound production) or for use as an auditory organ (eardrum).
Unit tray [YOU-nit tray] a small cardboard container with foam botton used to hold pinned insect specimens; a series of unit trays are generally stored in a glass-topped drawer within a collection cabinet.
Urogomphus [yur-o-GOM-fus] plural, urogomphi [yur-o-GOM-fee] - paired processes found on the last abdominal segments of some Coleoptera (beetle) larvae; they may be moveable or fixed.
Uropygi [YUR-oh-pie-gee] an order of the class Arachnida, comprised of the whipscorpions or vinegaroons, which are characterized by a two-parted body, eight legs (first pair slender and feelerlike), greatly enlarged pedipalps, and a whiplike tail at the tip of the abdomen.
Urticating hairs [URR-ti-kate-ing hairs] special poisonous body hairs that are used to protect certain insects and spiders from their enemies by causing discomfort to skin, eyes, or nasal passages.
Vector [VEK-tor] - an animal capable of mechanically transferring a disease-causing pathogen from one organism to another.
Vein [vane] a thickened line which provides support in the wing of an insect.
Venom [ven-uhm] any of various poisons secreted by insects, spiders scorpions, and other animals which are used to help obtain food and protect the animal against natural enemies; these poisons are often injected by means of special mouthparts or a stinger.
Venomous [ven-uhm-US] describes an animal capable of delivering a toxic venom against prey and/or natural enemies through a sting or bite. (See also poisonous.)
Venter [ven-TURH] the underside of the abdomen.
Ventral [VEN-trull] lower or underneath; pertaining to the underside of the body (opposite is dorsal).
Vertex [VIR-tex] the top of the head
Vestigial [ves-TIJ-all] a body part that is small, poorly developed, and/or non-functional.
Vestiture [VES-tih-chur] a general surface covering of hairs or scales.
Vial [vile] a small glass bottle for storing insect specimens in alcohol.
Vinegaroon [vin-eh-GAH-roon] a type of small animal characterized by a hard external skeleton, two body sections, eight legs (although first pair are slender and used as feelers), simple eyes, and a stout abdomen with a slender, hairlike whip at the tip; also known as the giant whipscorpion.
Vitta [V-tah] a broad longitudinal stripe.
Viviparous [vie-VIP-uh-rus] reproduction by means of live birth.
Waggle dance [wag guhl dans] a form of bee communication which gives directions to food sources from a worker bee to fellow bees. The dance not only gives direction and distance to the source, but also indicates the quality and quantity of the source.
Warning colors [WAR-ning KUL-lurs] a pattern of bright colors intended to help other animals avoid a creature because it is poisonous or venomous.
Web [wheb] a food-catching trap and/or shelter constructed of silk threads; commonly used by spiders and some insects such as caddisfly larvae and certain caterpillars.
White ant [white ant] another name for worker termites.
Wing [wing] a flattened extension of the body wall of the thorax that enables insects to fly through the air (note: insects are the only winged invertebrates).
Wing pad [wing pad] one of the rudimentary, partially developed wings found on the bodies of nymphs and naiads; they eventually develop into fully functional flight wings.
Wireworm [WHY-ur werm] a common name for the larva of a click beetle.
Woollybear [whul-LEE bare] the common name for a fuzzy, black and reddish-orange caterpillar that becomes a tiger moth; legend states that the coloration of these species can predict the conditions of the next winter.
Worker [WHUR-kur] the members of a social insect colony, usually female, that have responsibility for nest maintenance, food gathering, and care of the brood.
Xiphosura [zye-fo-SIR-ah] one of the classes of arthropods, commonly known as horseshoe crabs.
Zoraptera [zor-AP-ter-ah] one of the insect groups, made up of the angel insects or zorapterans, characterized by small, slender bodies, wings membranous or absent, chewing mouthparts, and gradual metamorphosis.
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