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Glossary terms beginning with E

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Earth-measurer
cf. Geometer - the larvae of Geometrid moths.
Earthworm
the common name given to annelids within the Class Oligocheata. Earthworms are very important for introducing organic matter to soil.
Read more on: Earthworm
Earwigs
cf. Dermaptera - Dermaptera (or earwigs) are an Order of insects. The abdomen ends in characteristic pincers called cerci.
Ecdysis
moulting of the arthropod cuticle.
Read more on: Ecdysis
Eclosion
the emergence of an insect from a pupa or egg.
Read more on: Eclosion
Ecology
the study of ecosystems.
Read more on: Ecology
Ecosystem
a relationship between different organisms that interact with each other and their environment.
Read more on: Ecosystem
Ectoparasite
an animal that lives externally on another animal but does not kill it.
Read more on: Ectoparasite
Ectoparasitoid
a parasite that lives externally on another animal and ultimately kills it.
Read more on: Ectoparasitoid
Ectothermic
animals that cannot regulate their body temperature relative to the environment.
Read more on: Ectothermic
Egg
the first stage in the life cycle of many insects and other animals.
Read more on: Egg
Elateridae
cf. Click beetle - a family of beetles known for their ability to fling themselves into the air. Their larvae are called wireworms.
Elateriform
a term used to describe the body shape of insect larvae that are worm-like.
Read more on: Elateriform
Elephant beetle
cf. Rhinoceros beetle - a subfamily of Scarab beetles. Rhinoceros beetles are some of the largest of the beetles. The males have characteristic horns.
Elytra
the hardened fore wings of beetles and earwigs.
Read more on: Elytra
Embioptera
the Embioptera/Web-spinners are an Order of insects capable of producing silk from glands in their front legs.
Read more on: Embioptera
Empodium
A lobe or spine between the tarsal claws of many insects.
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Endemic
an organism is said to be endemic if it is only found in one specific location in the world.
Read more on: Endemic
Endoparasite
a parasite that lives inside another animal but does not kill it.
Read more on: Endoparasite
Endoparasitoid
a parasite that lives inside another animal and ultimately kills it.
Read more on: Endoparasitoid
Endopterygota
the development of the wings inside the body of an insect.
Read more on: Endopterygota
Endothermic
animals that maintain their body temperature above the ambient temperature of the environment.
Read more on: Endothermic
Entomologist
someone who studies insects.
Read more on: Entomologist
Entomologists Record and Journal of Variation
the Entomologist's Record and Journal of Variation is the Amateur Entomologists' Society's high-quality, peer reviewed journal.
Read more on: Entomologists Record and Journal of Variation
Entomology
the study of insects.
Read more on: Entomology
Entomophagous
a feeding behaviour where an organism eats insects. Many organisms survive on a diet of insects.
Read more on: Entomophagous
EntRec
cf. Entomologists Record and Journal of Variation - the Entomologist's Record and Journal of Variation is the Amateur Entomologists' Society's high-quality, peer reviewed journal.
EntRecord
cf. Entomologists Record and Journal of Variation - the Entomologist's Record and Journal of Variation is the Amateur Entomologists' Society's high-quality, peer reviewed journal.
Ephemeroptera
the Ephemeroptera/mayflies are an Order of insects with an aquatic larval stage. The adults are very short lived with some living for just one day.
Read more on: Ephemeroptera
Epidemic
cf. Epizootic - an unusually large number of new cases of a disease within a population.
Epigaeic
cf. Epigeic - the name given to an organism living on the soil surface.
Epigeal
cf. Epigeic - the name given to an organism living on the soil surface.
Epigeic
the name given to an organism living on the soil surface.
Read more on: Epigeic
Epiproct
a projection from an insect's tenth abdominal segment.
Read more on: Epiproct
Epizootic
an unusually large number of new cases of a disease within a population.
Read more on: Epizootic
Eruciform
a term used to describe the body shape of insect larvae that caterpillar-like.
Read more on: Eruciform
Estivation
cf. Aestivation - a period of summer dormancy.
Eusocial
insects living together in a colony with only some individuals able to reproduce.
Read more on: Eusocial
Evolutionary synthesis
cf. Modern evolutionary synthesis - the process of evolution which is based on the work of Charles Darwin but also includes more recent discoveries and findings from modern scientific research and genetics.
Exopterygota
the development of the wings outside the body in insects.
Read more on: Exopterygota
Exoskeleton
a skeleton that is on the outside and encases all the muscles and organs of an organism.
Read more on: Exoskeleton
Exuvia
the cast-off outer skin of an arthropod after a moult.
Read more on: Exuvia
Eye mound
cf. Ocularium - a raised structure on the body of an Opilione that contains the eyes.
Eyespot
markings on an insect, usually the wings, that have a similar appearance to a mammalian eye. Commonly used to scare off potential predators.
Read more on: Eyespot

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