Glossary of entomology terms

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

The dictionary definition of thesaurus:insect#See also at Wiktionary

Parts of an adult butterfly
When present, elytra of the Staphylinidae are markedly abbreviate.
This fly in the genus Scaptomyza has clearly visible rows of para-sagittal acrostichal bristles on its thorax
the alitrunk of aculeate Hymenoptera comprises the three thoracic segments, plus the propodeum , which strictly speaking, is the first segment of the abdomen.
Butterfly antennae shapes
Distinction between clavate and capitate anatomy of insect antennae
Clavate antenna of a beetle in the family Erotylidae . In this specimen the clavus comprises three segments
Terms associated with the wings
Cremaster of pupa of the oak owl moth, Griposia aprilina
Beetle in the family Cerambycidae with conspicuous emargination of the compound eye (black) where it extends partway round the base of the antenna
Larva of a species in the family Sphingidae. The large eyespots on the back have no function concerning vision at all; when threatened, the caterpillar retracts its head, leaving the spots resembling either a threat, or as a more tempting target than the vulnerable head. The stemmata are visible as an arc of about four tiny spots slightly lateral to, and above the mouthparts. They are inconspicuous and do have a visual function.
A "true" bug, order Hemiptera, with geniculate antennae
A fly in the family Vermileonidae, using its hypognathous proboscis to extract nectar from florets.
Coreidae: adult male Anoplocnemis with incrassate posterior femur
Head of a beetle in the family Cerambycidae; showing the labrum in red, below the clypeus in blue
Diagram of an insect leg
Porrect mandibles of antlion larva.
Beetles in the family Carabidae , generally have prognathous heads
A Chrysomelid larva carrying its own frass as repugnatorial protection