Glossary terms beginning with T

Tagma

the term used to describe each of the three main divisions of an insect's body.
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Tarsomere

sections within the tarsus - the final segment in the leg of an insect.
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Tarsus

the final segment in the leg of an insect.
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Taxonomy

the process of identifying and classifying living organisms.
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Tegmina

the thickened fore wing of some insects.
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Tegula

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

Telotarsus

cf. Tarsus - the final segment in the leg of an insect.

Temporary nest

cf. Bivouac - a temporary structure formed to protect the queen and larvae of army and driver ants.

Teneral

the state of an insect immediately after moulting. At this time the insect's exoskeleton has not hardened and it may be pale in colour.
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Termite

cf. Isoptera - previously the name given to the Order of insects containing the termites. Recent work has shown that termites are social cockroaches and not a separate Order.

Tettigoniidae

cf. Katydid - a family of large crickets.

Thanatosis

the behaviour of feigning death, usually to deceive a predator.
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Thorax

one of the three main body parts of an insect.
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Three-pronged bristletails

cf. Thysanura - the Thysanura (or three-pronged bristletails) are an Order of insects. They are wingless and possess three filaments at the end of the abdomen.

Thrips

cf. Thysanoptera - the Thysanoptera (thrips or thunderflies) are an Order of insects. They are small insects that can often be found on flower heads.

Thunderflies

cf. Thysanoptera - the Thysanoptera (thrips or thunderflies) are an Order of insects. They are small insects that can often be found on flower heads.

Thysanoptera

the Thysanoptera (thrips or thunderflies) are an Order of insects. They are small insects that can often be found on flower heads.
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Thysanura

the Thysanura (or three-pronged bristletails) are an Order of insects. They are wingless and possess three filaments at the end of the abdomen.
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Tibia

the fourth segment of an insect's leg.
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Tick

a group of ectoparasitic arachnids.
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Timbal

cf. Tymbal - a cicada's sound producing organ.

Tipulidae

cf. Crane fly - a family of true flies that are known for their long thin legs.

Tomentum

fine hairs that cover the bodies of some insects.
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Tonic immobility

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

Trachea

tubes attached to the spiracles allowing oxygen to diffuse into an insect's body.
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Tracheoles

thin tubes attached to the trachea within the body of an insect and permit gaseous exchange.
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Tree dwelling

cf. Arboreal - arboreal animals are those that live in trees.

Trichobothrium

hair-like structures of arachnids and some insects that are used to detect vibration.
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Trichoptera

the Trichoptera (caddisflies or, more correctly, Caddises) are an Order of insects. They are well known for their larvae as, in many species, they form a case out of stones of organic matter in which they live.
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Trochanter

the second segment of an insect's leg.
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True bug

cf. Hemiptera - the Hemiptera/true bugs are an Order of insects including the aphids and shieldbugs.

True fly

cf. Diptera - the Diptera/true flies are an Order of insects. Characteristically they have one pair of wings, the hind wings being reduced to balance organs called halteres.

Tullgren funnel

a device for extracting animals from soil or leaf litter.
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Two-pronged bristletails

cf. Diplura - the Diplura/two-pronged bristletails are one of the three non-insect hexapod classes of invertebrates.

Two-winged fly

cf. Diptera - the Diptera/true flies are an Order of insects. Characteristically they have one pair of wings, the hind wings being reduced to balance organs called halteres.

Tymbal

a cicada's sound producing organ.
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Tympanal organ

the hearing system of insects.
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Tympanum

cf. Tympanal organ - the hearing system of insects.

Type

cf. Type specimen - a specimen that acts as the name bearer for a species.

Type specimen

a specimen that acts as the name bearer for a species.
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