Glossary terms beginning with A

Abdomen

one of the three main body parts of an insect and one of the two main body parts of spiders.
Read more on: Abdomen

Acalyptrate

a subsection of the Brachyceran suborder of the Diptera (true flies).
Read more on: Acalyptrate

Acari

a sub-class of Arachnids that are more commonly known as mites and ticks.
Read more on: Acari

Acarina

cf. Acari - a sub-class of Arachnids that are more commonly known as mites and ticks.

Acarology

cf. Acari - a sub-class of Arachnids that are more commonly known as mites and ticks.

Acrostichal Bristles

bristles found on the top of the thorax of some flies.
Read more on: Acrostichal Bristles

Aculeate

one of the groups of Hymenoptera. They have ovipositors that are modified to form a sting.
Read more on: Aculeate

Adenotrophic viviparity

a type of development where eggs hatch within the female insect and the larvae are nourished until ready to pupate. At this stage the larvae are laid and pupate immediately.
Read more on: Adenotrophic viviparity

Adult

cf. Imago - the adult insect.

Aedeagus

the reproductive organ of male insects.
Read more on: Aedeagus

AES

cf. Amateur Entomologists' Society - one of the UK's leading organisations for people interested in insects.

AES Bulletin

cf. Bulletin - the Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society is the Society's high-quality, house journal.

Aestivation

a period of summer dormancy.
Read more on: Aestivation

Africanised honey bees

a hybrid of African honey bees and various European honey bees.
Read more on: Africanised honey bees

Alary

relating to wings.
Read more on: Alary

Alate

alate means possessing wings.
Read more on: Alate

Alderfly

cf. Megaloptera - the Order Megaloptera are primitive insects. The Order contains about 300 species. Insects in the Order are known by a variety of names including Alderflies, Dobsonflies and Fishflies.

Alula

cf. Calypter - a membranous flap that is located at the base of the wing in some species of fly.

Amateur Entomologists' Society

one of the UK's leading organisations for people interested in insects.
Read more on: Amateur Entomologists' Society

Ambrosia

cf. Bee bread - a mixture of pollen and nectar or honey. It is the main food source for honey bee larvae and workers.

American plague

cf. Yellow fever - a virus transmitted by mosquitoes.

Androconia

scales on the wings of male butterflies and moths which produce scent.
Read more on: Androconia

Angel insects

cf. Zoraptera - the Zoraptera (sometimes called Angel insects) are an Order of insects. They are small insects that live in groups.

Annelid

the annelids (animals in the phylum Annelida) are invertebrates including earthworms and leeches.
Read more on: Annelid

Ant

cf. Formicidae - the Formicidae/Ants are a family of insects within the Order Hymenoptera. They form colonies with many flightless workers and a reproductive queen.

Antenna

paired sensory organs on the head of insects.
Read more on: Antenna

Antlion

cf. Myrmeleontidae - the Myrmeleontidae are a Family of Neuroptera commonly called Antlions. The adults superficially resemble dragonflies. The larvae are well-known for their predatory habit.

Aphid

insects in the Superfamily Aphidoidea within the Suborder Sternorrhyncha. They are often considered pests on plants.
Read more on: Aphid

Aphidoidea

cf. Aphid - insects in the Superfamily Aphidoidea within the Suborder Sternorrhyncha. They are often considered pests on plants.

Apiary

the location where bee hives are kept.
Read more on: Apiary

Apis mellifera

cf. Honey bee - the Honey bee is one of the most important and easily recognisable insects.

Apoidea

insects in the superfamily Apoidea within the Order Hymenoptera. They are more commonly known as bees. Most people think of bees as social insects but there are many more species of solitary bee.
Read more on: Apoidea

Aposematism

the use of bright colouration to advertise that an organism is dangerous or unpalatable.
Read more on: Aposematism

Apparent death

cf. Thanatosis - the behaviour of feigning death, usually to deceive a predator.

Apterous

meaning without wings.
Read more on: Apterous

Apterygota

a subclass of the Class Insecta. This subclass contains the Orders of wingless insects.
Read more on: Apterygota

Arachnid

the Class of Arthropods that includes spiders, mites, ticks, scorpions, pseudoscorpions and harvestmen.
Read more on: Arachnid

Arachnophobia

the fear of arachnids.
Read more on: Arachnophobia

Araneae

cf. Spider - an Order of predatory arthropods in the Class Arachnida. They are known for their silk and webs.

Arboreal

arboreal animals are those that live in trees.
Read more on: Arboreal

Archaeognatha

cf. Microcoryphia - an Order of insects within the Apterygota (wingless insects).

Argasidae

cf. Tick - a group of ectoparasitic arachnids.

Arista

a bristle found on the antennae of some species of fly.
Read more on: Arista

Arthropod

invertebrate animals that have a jointed exoskeleton.
Read more on: Arthropod

Arthropoda

cf. Arthropod - invertebrate animals that have a jointed exoskeleton.

Aspirator

cf. Pooter - a device used to pick up small invertebrates without harming them.

Assassin bug

insects in the Order Hemiptera (True bugs) that feed on the bodily fluids of other animals.
Read more on: Assassin bug

Asynchronous muscle

muscle that contracts more than once per nerve impulse.
Read more on: Asynchronous muscle

Atlas beetle

cf. Rhinoceros beetle - a subfamily of Scarab beetles. Rhinoceros beetles are some of the largest of the beetles. The males have characteristic horns.

Auchenorrhyncha

a suborder of the true bugs (Order Hemiptera). The Auchenorrhyncha include insects such as cicadas and leafhoppers.
Read more on: Auchenorrhyncha

Axilla

the point at which thoracic muscles attach to the wing of an insect.
Read more on: Axilla