Glossary Of Terms

The definitions given below are specific to this Web Site, in other words, they may have additional meanings. Sources used in compiling these definitions include "The Torre-Bueno Glossary of Entomology" (1989) and "The Random House College Dictionary" (1988). Where appropriate, the plural of a word is given in parentheses, usually with the notation of "pl."


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Select the first letter of the word from the list above to jump to appropriate section of the glossary.

A

Abdomen
The posterior or hindmost body region.

Abdominal Festoons
In ticks (Acari), the rectangular areas divided by grooves along the posterior abdominal margin.

Accessory Vein
An extra branch of a longitudinal vein; in Hymenoptera, the most posterior vein in the anal area of the front wing.

Adenitis
Inflammation of 1 or more lymph nodes.

Adult
The fully grown, sexually mature arthropod.

Aestivate
To go into a quiescence or resting period as a result of continued high temperature or dry conditions.

Alate
Winged form; possessing wings.

Allergic Reaction
A hypersensitivity to foreign proteins, developed only after an initial exposure.

Ametabolis
Having no metamorphosis.

Ampullae
In beetle (Coleoplera) larvae, the paired ventral proleglike protuberances on abdominal segments of some species.

Anal Groove
In ticks (Acari), a groove which either is in front of or behind the anal opening.

Anal Lobe
A lobe on the posterior part or rear margin of the wing.

Anal Plate/Shield
In mites (Acari), the ventral rear/posterior scierotized/hardened plate/shield surrounding the anal opening.

Anaphylactic Shock
A collapse of circulatory function resulting from a generalized total body allergic reaction caused mostly by insect stings, spider bites, ingested foods, and drugs; a life-threatening condition.

Annulate
Appears to consist of or to be subdivided into ringlike segments; ringed; surrounded by ring of a different color.

Antenna (pl. antennae)
The paired, segmented feelerlike sensory organs located on the head above the mouthparts.

Anterior
Front, in front, before.

Anticostal Suture
In insect larvae, the transverse line/groove near the front margin of the segment on the dorsal/top surface.

Aorta
Anterior portion of heart (dorsal vessel), lacking lateral openings or ostia.

Aperature
In snails (Geophila), the shell opening.

Aperature Lip
In snails (Geophila), the edge of the shell opening.

Aphid
A member of the insect order Homoptera, family Aphididae, characterized by being soft-bodied and nearly always with a pair of cornices (tubular structures) near the posterior/rear end of the abdomen; commonly called plantlice.

Arolium (pl. arolia)
In insects, the terminal pad between or pads under each claw of the pretarsus.

Arthropod
Any segmented invertebrate of the phylum Arthropoda, having jointed legs.

Asperites
In beetle (Colsoptera) larvae, the condition where the surface is covered with short toothlike structures.

Asymmetrical
Not symmetrical (evenly developed on both sides).


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

B

Band
A transverse marking different in color from the background color, may completely ring a structure such as the tibia.

Basal cell
In adult flies (Diptera), the elongate cell behind the radial or medial veins located in the basal half of the wing.

Basement membrane
The thin, acellular, innermost layer of the exoskeleton.

Basis capituli
In ticks (Acari), the base for the mouthparts.

Beak
Any notable prolongation of the front of the head; a snout.

Bicolored
Of two (2) different colors.

Bilateral symmetry
The left and right sides are essentially similar.

Booklungs
In spiders (Araneae), the internal breathing structures located inside the abdominal venter with slitlike openings to the outside.

Bristle
A stiff, usually short and blunt, hairlike projection.

Broadleaf tree
A tree which in general has wide/broad leaves (vs. needlelike) and is usually deciduous, shedding its leaves seasonally and being leafless for part of the year; hardwoods.

Brood
All individuals that hatch about the same time from eggs laid by one series of parents; in social insects, the immature members of the colony collectively, including eggs, nymphs, larvae, and pupae; in birds (Aves), the number of young produced or hatched at one time.

Budding
The process in which reproductives or potential reproductives, workers, and certain immature leave the parent or major colony to start a new colony.

Bursa Copulatrix
An internal female organ functioning during copulation; in mites (Acari), the distal and of the seminal receptacle.

Button
In fly (Diptera) larvae, a usually round structure/scar on the posterior spiracle representing the spiracle of the previous instar.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

C

Cache
Anything hidden or stored.

Calcareous
Containing calcium.

Calypter (pl. calypteres)
In adult flies (Diptera), one of 2 basal lobes located at the base of the wing along the rear margin.

Cambium
In trees, the layer of living cells located between the bark to the outside and the sapwood to the inside.

Capitulum
In ticks (Acari), the mouthparts and their base.

Carapace
In Crustacea, the hard top/dorsum of the cephalothroax (fused head and thorax); in scorpions (Arachnida), the hard dorsal covering consisting of fused dorsal scierites/plates of the cephalothorax (fused head and thorax).

Carina
An elevated ridge or keel.

Carnivorous
Predacious, eating/feeding on animal fluids and/or tissue.

Carton
In termites (isoptera), the nest building material composed of semidigested wood and soil cemented together with saliva and feces.

Casein
A milk protein used in cheese, paint, etc.

Caste
Kinds of mature individuals among social insects which share similar body form and job description.

Caudal filaments
Threadlike processes at the posterior/rear end of the abdomen.

CDC
Centers for Disease Control, headquartered in Atlanta, GA.

Cell (of wings)
The space between the wing veins.

Cellulose
A polysaccharide consisting of repeated glucose units, which is a major component of plant cell walls.

Centimeter (cm)
0.01 meter; 0.394 inch; about 2.5 cm = 1 inch.

Cephalothorax
Anterior body region composed of the fused head and thorax.

Cercus (pl. cerci)
One of a pair of dorsal appendages at the posterior end of the abdomen.

Chelate
In mites (Acari), mandiblelike chelicerae.

Chelicera (pl. chelicerae)
One of the anterior pair of appendages, usually fanglike, in arachnids.

Chevron-shaped
Stripes meeting at an angle medially; "army sergeant stripes."

Chitin
A major polysaccharide component of arthropod cuticle, secreted by the epidermis.

Cicada
A member of the insect order Homoptera, family Cicadidae, characterized as being large (mostly 1-2"/25-50 mm), wings membranous and held rooflike over the body at rest, antennae short and bristielike, 3 oceiii, tarsi 3-segmented, and males usually with sound-producing organs at the base of the abdomen on the ventral side.

Cicatrix
In beetles (Coleoptera), the scarlike structure located at the apex of the lst antennal segment (scape) in some species.

Clasper
One of a pair of clasping structures located at the end of the abdomen functioning to hold the female during copulation.

Clavate
Thickened or widened towards the base, or the apex (clubbed).

Claw Tuft
A bunch/tuft of hairs (setae) at the tip of the tarsus, sometimes padlike.

Closable Chimney Cap
A chimney cap which is spring-loaded with a cable running through the flue pipe and a lock-catch located in the fireplace.

Closed Cell
The membranous space of a wing being enclosed or bounded by veins on all sides.

Clutch
In birds (Aves), the number of eggs produced or incubated at one time.

Clypeus
On the insect face, a scierits (hardened body wall plate) located between the front (central front area) and the labrum (upper lip).

Coccids
A member of the insect order Homoptera, superfamily Coccoidea, characterized by males midgelike with I pair of wings, tarsi 1 -segmented with I claw, and without a beak, and females wingless and often legless, usually with a waxy or scalelike covering; scale insects and mealybugs.

Cocoon
The covering of the pupa, composed partly or wholly of silk, constructed by larvae.

Collophore
In springtails (Collembola), a ventral tube borne on the first abdominal segment which is thought to function in water uptake.

Commensal
In rodents, those which live in close association with humans and whose needs are supplied by humans.

Complete metamorphosis
In insects, development where the immature stages consist of an egg followed by a series of larvae and then a pupal stage before the adult.

Compound Eye
An eye composed of many separate visual elements, each of which is indicated externally by a facet.

Concentric
Having a common center, as circles.

Conifer
Evergreen tree g., pine, spruce, fir, etc.

Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids.

Constricted
Narrowed, pinched-in.

Contiguous
Touching.

Convergent
To be oriented as if coming together at a point; inclined towards each other.

Copra
The dried oil-bearing kernel and meat of coconut.

Cornicle(s)
In aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae), the tubular structure on each side of the 5th or 6th abdominal tergites (dorsal) through which various alarm pheromones are released.

Costal Vein Broken
In insect wings, the heavy front marginal vein if it has distinctive weak spots usually indicated by a marginal notch.

Coxa (pl. coxae)
The basal or 1 st leg segment, connected to the body wall.

Coxal Plate
The hardened plate to which the coxa is attached.

Creaping Welts
In insect larvae, the typically swollen and roughened areas/bands usually located on the ventral surface of segments which assist in locomotion.

Crepuscular
Active at dusk/sunset.

Crochet
In moth and butterfly larvae (Lepidoptera), the small hardened hooklike structures located on the end of the abdominal prolegs.

Crop
In insects, the dilated portion of the alimentary canal behind the esophagus, which serves to receive and hold food.

Crossvein
Transverse veins linking the major longitudinal wing veins.

Cuticle
The thin, acellular, external layer of the exoskeleton, composed of 3 layers.

Cytotoxin
A toxin which affects the cells in the immediate area of injection or introduction.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

D

Dactyls
In the Gryllotalpidae (Orthoptera), the greatly enlarged terminal teeth of thebroad, compressed front tibia.

Deciduous tree
A tree which looses/sheds its leaves seasonally, being without leaves for part of the year; most broadleaf or hardwood trees.

Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin.

Desiccate
To dry.

Detritovore
Feeds on decaying organic matter.

Deutonymph
In mites (Acari), the normal 3rd instar (Ist=larva, 2nd=protonymph).

Deutovum
In Chiggers (Acari), the 2nd stage of development (Ist=egg, 3rd=larva, 4th=nymphochrysalis, 5th=nymph, 6th=imagochrysalis, and 7th=adult).

Developmental Time
The period from egg fertilization to emergence of the adult; egg to adult.

Diatoms
Microscopic, single-cell algae having siliceous cell walls.

Diamial
Movement in a transverse plane towards each other.

Dichoptic
In adult flies (Diptera), having the eyes markedly separated medially.

Dimorphic
Occurring in 2 distinct forms.

Diurnal
Active during the day; active at sunrise and sunset.

Dorsal
Pertaining to the back or upper surface; top or uppermost.

Dorsoventrally Flattened
Flattened top to bottom, like a pancake.

Drone
The male bee in Hymenoptera which develops from an unfertilized egg.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

E

Echolocation
In bats (Chiroptera), the method of locating objects by determining thetime for an echo to return and the direction from which it returns via the use of a series of supersonic sounds (about 30-60 squeaks/sec with a pitch of 30-100,000 cycles).

Ectoparasite
An external parasite.

Elbowed
Abruptly bent in an obtuse angle (between 90-180’).

Ellipsoid
Egg-shaped.

Elytral Interval
In adult beetles (Coleoptera), the longitudinal space between the striae (depressed/impressed rows of punctures).

Elytron (pl. elytra)
The leathery or hard front wing of beetles (Coleoptera).

Emarginate
Notched at the margin.

Empodium (pl. empodia)
In mites (Acari), the enlarged pretarsal/terminal structure of the tarsi, may be padlike, etc.

Endocuticle
The chitinous internal layer of the cuticle.

Engorged
In arthropods, to fill to excess with blood.

Entomology
The study of insects, that branch of zoology dealing with insects.

Epicuticle
The thin acellular layer located on top of the exocuticle.

Epidermis
The middle, cellular layer of the exoskeleton.

Epipharyngeal Papillae
In beetle (Coleoptera) larvae, tiny projections in a cuplike structure on the inner surface of the upper lip (labrum) along its midline near its outer edge.

Eschar
Hard crust or scab.

Evergreen
A tree or other plant which does not shed its leaves until they are replaced by new leaves, always with green leaves; leaves narrow and often needlelike.

Excelsior
Moderate to fine wood shavings once commonly used as packing material to protect the inner contents from damage due to blows to the box/container.

Exocuticle
The hard (scierotized), chitinous, outside layer of the cuticle.

Exoskeleton
A skeleton or supporting structure, on the outside of the body.

External Feeder
The larva feeds from the outside of the kernel inward (stored product pests).


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

F

Facet
The external surface of a single compound eye unit or ommatidium.

Fang Furrow Retromargin
In spiders (Araneae), the side opposing the fang.

Fangs
In spiders (Araneae), the chelicerae/jaws modified for injecting venom.

Febrile
Feverishness; pertaining to or marked by fever.

Fecal pellet
In termites (Isoptera), the desiccated faces/excrement in the form of hexagonal configurations; firm/hard excrement or waste expelled from the anus.

Fecundity
The average number of eggs laid by an arthropod.

Femur (pl. femora)
The 3rd leg segment, located between the trochanter and the tibia.

Festoon
In ticks (Acari), the rectangular areas divided by grooves along the posterior margin of the abdomen.

Fiber saturation point
The maximum amount of moisture vapor that wood can absorb from a saturated atmosphere.

Filament
A long slender process of equal diameter throughout.

Fledged young
In birds (Aves), when the nestling or young bird is able to fly.

Fontanelle
In termites (Isoptera), the porelike opening on the frontal region of the head through which secretions of the frontal gland are ejected/squirted.

Foot
In snails and slugs (Geophila), the ventral or bottom surface usually containing openings to the mucus glands; in vertebrates, the terminal part of the leg, below the ankle joint, on which the body stands and moves.

Forensic entomology
Any legal or courtroom activity involving insects, including the use of insects to determine the postmortem interval in criminal cases (medico-legal entomology).

Frass
Solid excrement of larval insects; plant fragments made by wood-boring insects which are usually mixed with excrement.

Frontal bristles
In adult flies (Diptera), the bristles located on the face to the outside of the swollen median vertical area and antennae bases, but before or to the inside of the eyes.

Fumigation
A method of pest control in which the infested commodity/object/structure is encased so as to be almost air-tight, then a lethal fumigant (liquid/gas/solid) is released from within or introduced from the outside and held until the pests are dead, then the seal/encasement is broken so that aeration can begin, after aeration the commodity/object/structure is verified by using an appropriate detection device as containing a concentration of fumigant below the EPA acceptable level, and then the commodity/object/structure can be released back into the possession of the owner or their agent; in some cases, fumigation can be accomplished by using modified atmospheres which are lethal to the pests instead of traditional fumigants; or a combination of the two techniques can be used.

Functional Worker
In termites (Isoptera), workers who are either male or female and not sterile.

Fungus (pl. fungi)
A plant which does not contain chlorophyll-e.g. molds, mushrooms, mildews, etc.

Funicle
In insect antennae, the segments between the lst segment/scape and the club.

Furcula
A forked process; in springtails (Collembola), the forked spring or leaping appendage borne on the 4th or 5th abdominal segment.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

G

Ganglion (pl. ganglia)
A nerve center composed of a cell mass and fibers.

Gaster
The swollen part of the abdomen behind the waist or pedicel in Hymenoptera.

Gastric caecum (pl. caeca)
A midgut structure which is saclike or tubelike and open atonly one end.

Genal comb
In adult fleas (Siphonaptera), a row of strong spines located anteroventrally on the gena (cheek).

Generation
From any given stage in the life cycle to the same stage in the immediate offspring.

Genitalia
Structures associated with the genital opening and used during copulation.

Genitoventral plate/shield
In mites (Acari), the sclarotized/hardened ventral plate located between the anterior sternal shield and posterior anal plate/shield containing the genital opening; the middle plate/shield.

Gestation period
The time from conception, through development, to delivery/birth.

Gill
A respirator organ in aquatic immature stages via which dissolved oxygen is extracted from the water.

Globose
Spherical or nearly so.

Glossa (pl. glossae)
The tongue; in adult Hymenoptera, the median lobe at the apex of the prementum (median portion of labium/lower lip).

Gradual metamorphosis
In insects, development where the immature stages are the egg followed by a series of nymphs which are very similar in appearance to and habits of the adult stage; with no pupal stage.

Granulated
Surface texture as if covered with or made up of very small grains or granules.

Gravid female
Heavy with fully-developed eggs.

Green logs
Freshly cut logs which have not had their wood moisture content reduced to below 20% (=seasoned).

Gregarious
Commonly found in groups or aggregations.

Gynecoid worker
In Hymenoptera, a worker ant which can and does lay eggs and can function as a substitute queen.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

H

Haemolymph (also hemolymph)
In insects, the blood which consists of fluid plasma containing suspended hemocytes (nucleated cells).

Hair
A slender flexible filament of equal diameter throughout, commonly used for seta/setae; by definition, found only on mammals.

Haller’s Organ
In ticks (Acari), a sensory organ located on the first pair of legs, on the top of each tarsus.

Haltere (pl. halteres)
In adult flies (Diptera), the knoblike modified hind wing which is a sensory organ and helps maintain stability in flight.

Hardwood
The wood of broadleaf or deciduous trees, such as oak, walnut, etc.

Haustiseta(e)
Spear-headed hairs (setae) often found in tufts arising from the tergites, especially the posterior segments of dermestid larvae (Coleoptera: Dermestidae).

Head
The anterior or front body region which bears the eyes, mouthparts, and antennae.

Hemolymph
See haemolymph.

Hemocoel
A body cavity filled with blood.

HEPA filter
High efficiency particulate air filter, removes particles down to 0.3 microns in size.

Herbarium (pl. herbaria)
A systematically arranged collection of dried plants, or a room(s) in which such a collection is kept.

Herbivore
Feeds on plants.

Hermaphrodite
Individual containing both ovaries and testes.

Hibernation
Period of inactivity during seasonal low temperatures.

Holoptic
In adult flies (Diptera), having the eyes touch each other medially.

Honey dew
The watery fluid containing which is excreted from the anus of aphids, scale insect, treehoppers, and most planthoppers (all in order Homoptera).

Humerus (pl. humeri)
In adult beetles (Colooptera), the basal exterior (lateral) angle of the elytra; the shoulders.

Hypha (pl. hyphae)
A threadlike strand of fungus.

Hypopdial stage
The hypopus.

Hypopharynx
A median mouthpart structure located just in front of the labium; a tonguelike structure.

Hypoplouron
In adult flies (Diptera), the plate just above the middle coxa on the side of the thorax.

Hypopus (pl. hypopi)
A nymphal stage in the development of certain mites (Acari) which has developed suckers or claspers for grasping insects, effecting dispesal.

Hypostome
In ticks (Acari), a dartlike structure arising fom the median ventral surface of the basis capituli.

Hysterosoma
In mites (Acari), the clorsolateral area between the 2nd and 3rd pair of legs.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

I

ldlosoma
In mites (Acari), the body.

ILT
Insect light trap which uses black (ultraviolet) light to attract insects and either electrocutes them on an electrical grid or captures them on a replaceable sticky surface.

Imago
The adult stage.

Imagochrysalis
In chiggers (Acari), the 6th stage of development (Isl=egg, 2nd=Deutovum, 3rd=larva, 4th=nymphochrysalis, 5th=nymph, and 7th=adult).

Immature
A life stage proceeding the adult stage; not sexually mature.

Impressed areas
Areas of the surface which are lower than the surrounding or overall surface height.

Incomplete metamorphosis
In insects, development where the stages are the egg followed by a series of naiads which are aquatic and have gills, the naiads differing greatly in appearance from the adult stage; with no pupal stage.

Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)
A substance which affects the insect’s developmental cycle and disrupts its tile cycle.

lnstar
The stage between molts.

Interfemoral Membrane
In bats (Chiroptera), the membrane between the hind leg and tail.

Intermediate host
The host in which the asexual stages of a parasite are passed.

Internal feeder
The larva feeds entirely within the grain kernel and usually requires a whole kernel for development (stored product pests).

Iridescence
Displaying a shifting/change of lustrous colors (shines by reflection) when the viewing angle is changed.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

J

Jugal lobe
In adult Hyrnenoptera, the lobe on the hind margin of posterior/rear wing near the body.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

K

Keel
An elevated ridge; in cockroach oothecae (Blattodea) , the raised dorsal ridge.

Keratin
An inert animal protein found in hair, feathers, horns, hoofs, etc., akin to chitin of insects.

Kiln-dried lumber
Lumber which has been artificially warmed or heated to reduce its moisture content and to kill any insect infestation.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

L

Labella
In some adult flies (Diptera), the fleshy paired oral lobes or pads at the terminal end of the proboscis.

Labial Palp (pl. palpi or palps)
The 1-4-segmented appendage of the insect labium (lower lip).

Labium
The lower lip, located below the rnaxillae; hindmost mouthpart structure.

Labrum
The upper lip, located in front of the mandibles and below the elypeus. Lanceolate Spear-shaped; oblong and tapering to one end.

Larva (pl. larvae)
An immature stage of those insects with complete metamorphosis; the developmental stage between egg and pupa; in termites (Isoptera), the young instars proceeding the worker or nymph (with wing pads) stages; in thrips (Thysanaptera), the Ist 2 instars; in mites and ticks (Acari), the lst instar.

Larviform
Shaped like or resembling a larva.

Lateral
Toward the side, away from the midline.

Laterally Flattened
Flattened side to side.

Leafhoppers
A member of the insect order Homoptera, family Cicadellidae, characterized by having the mouthparts in a beak arising from the back of the head, antenna short and bristielike, 4 membranous or slightly thickened wings with front wings longer, middle coxae short and touching each other, hind tibia with I or more rows of small spines, and jumping insects, generally less than 112" (12 mm).

Life cycle
The development of an insect from egg stage to egg stage.

Life History
A detailed record of a life cycle (egg to egg).

Lignin
An organic material that along with cellulose, forms the primary part of woody plant tissue; adds strength.

Litter
A number of young born at approximately the same lime.

Lumber/Board
Wood which is 1 "/24 mm or less in thickness.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

M

Maggots
Fly (Diptera) larvae which are legless and lack a distinct head (represented by 2 hooks), tapers from a blunt caudal/posterior end towards a pointed "head" end.

Major worker
In termites (isoptera) and ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), a member of the worker subcaste of largest size.

Malipighian tubules
Blind excretory tubes that arise near the anterior end of the midgut and extend into the body cavity; the insect’s urinary system.

Mammillae
In ticks (Acari), the elevations of various forms found on the integument in Ornithodoros spp.

Mandible
A jaw.

Mantle
In slugs (Geophila), the raised portion of the body’s dorsum.

Manufactured product
Wood which has been worked or processed such as millwork, flooring, and furniture.

Margin
Of or pertaining to the edge.

Marsupium
The ventral pouch in certain lsopoda and Amphipoda used for carrying eggs and young; brood pouch.

Maxilia (pl. maxillae)
One of the paired mouthparts located just behind the mandibles, often jawlike and with a palp (segmented feelerlike structure).

Mealybug
A member of the insect order Homoptera, families Pseudococcidas and Ericoccidae, characterized by being elongate-oval with well developed legs, tarsi 1- segmented with 1 claw, and usually covered with a waxy secretion.

Media Worker
In polymorphic ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with 3 worker subcastes, a member of the worker subcaste of intermediate size.

Median Caudal Filament
A threadlike process at the posterior end of the abdomen positioned in the middle.

Median Frontal Stripe
In adult flies (Diptera), a stripe in the middle of the front/face of the head.

Membranous
Like cellophane; a thin, flexible, usually transparent, film of tissue.

Mesonotal Suture
In adult flies (Diptera), the impressed line running across the top of the middle thoracic segment (mesothorax) that subdivides the mesonotum; the transverse suture.

Mesonotum
The dorsal/top hardened plate of the middle thoracic segment (mesothorax).

Mesopleura
The lateral/side hardened plate of the middle thoracic segment (mesothorax).

Mesothorax
The second or middle segment of the thorax, bearing the middle pair of legs and front wings if present.

Metallic
Having the appearance of metal.

Metamorphosis
The series of changes an insect goes through in its growth from egg to adult stage.

Metapodosomal venter
In mites (Acari), the ventral area between the 3rd and 4th pair of legs.

Metasternal plate
In insects, the hardened ventral plate of the middle throacic segment (mesothroax) located between the legs.

Metathorax
The third or hindmost segment of the thorax, bearing the third pair of legs and the hind wings if present.

Meter
(m) 39.37 inches; the standard of length in the metric system of measurement.

Microencapsulated
Enclosed in a thin polymer skin, usually spherical.

Millimeter
(mm) 1/1000 meter; 0.3937 inch; about 25 mm = 1 inch.

Mimic
A species which closely resembles another species of a different group for a survival advantage.

Minor worker
In termites (Isoptera) and ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), a member of the worker subcaste of smallest size.

Molting
The periodic formation of a new exoskeleton, followed by the shedding of the old skin.

Moniliform
Composed of a series of beadlike segments; beaded like a necklace.

Monomorphic
Of or having one form.

Morphology
The study of form and structure.

Mustache
In birds (Aves), a tuft of feathers off the bill base often differing in color from the surrounding area.

Mycelial Fan
Flat masses of fungal hyphae.

Mycologist
One who studies fungi.

Myiasis
Any disease that results from the infestation of tissues or cavities by fly (Diptera) larvae.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

N

Naiad
The aquatic nymph of insects with simple or incomplete metamorphosis.

Nape
In birds (Aves), the back side of the neck.

Nasutiform Soldier
In termites (isoptera), a soldier with the head prolonged into a snoutlike structure used to eject/squirt a defensive secretion.

Necrosis
Decay; death of tissue.

Necrotic Lesions
A wound with dying tissue.

Neurotoxin
A toxin that affects the functioning of the nervous system.

Nit
The egg of a sucking louse (Anoplura) when attached to a hair.

Nocturnal
Active at night.

Node
A segment of the pedicel or of ant’s waist (Formicidae) or of other Hymenoptera.

Notopleural Bristle(s)
In adult flies (Diptera), bristles borne by the sunken lateral area to the outside of the mesonotal/transverse suture (=notopleura).

Notum (pl. nota)
The dorsal or top surface plate of a thoracic segment.

Nuptia Instar
In amphipods/scuds (Amphipoda), the 8th instar which includes the first mating (adult begins with 9th instar).

Nymph
The immature stage of insects having incomplete (= simple) metamorphosis; in Acari, the immature stage(s) having 8 legs.

Nymphochrysalis
In chiggers (Acari), the 4th stage of development (lst=egg, 2nd=Deutovum, 3rd=larva, 5th=nymph, 6th=imagochrysalis, and 7th=adult).


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

O

Occipital carina
In adult Hymenoptera, the carina/ridge delimiting the back of the head (occiput) from the top of the head (vertex).

Ocellus (pl. oceill)
A simple eye, consisting of a single lens.

Ocular bristle
In adult fleas (Siphonaptera), the bristle associated with the compound eye and usually inserted either in front of or below the eye.

Oesophagus (esophagus)
That part of the alimentary canal between the mouth and the crop.

Ommatidium (pl. ommatidia)
An individual compound eye unit or visual section.

Ootheca (pl. oothecae)
Egg capsule; in cockroaches (Blattodea), two parallel rows of eggs enclosed in a capsule.

Open cell
The membranous space between the wing veins continuous with or reaching the wing margin.

Operculum
In snails (Geophila), the closing plate of the shell.

Opposed
Closest to or opposite.

Oral vibrissae
In adult flies (Diptera), the 2 long bristles, one located to each side of the face just above the mouthparts on the head.

Ostium (pl. ostia)
Lateral openings of the heart (dorsal vessel), located in the posterior portion.

Ovipositor
The structure by which the eggs are deposited, may be external or withdrawn into the body.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

P

Palp (= palpus, pl. palpi)
A feelerlike structure located on a maxilla or on the labium.

Papilla (pl. palpillae)
Tiny fingerlike projections.

Parafacial
In adult flies (Diptera), the head area between the lower 1/3 of the compound eye and the vertical front ridge (goes around the antennae bases).

Parafrontals
In adult flies (Diptera), the sides of the front of the head next to the compound eyes; the parts of the face between the facial ridges and the eyes.

Parasitic
Living as a parasite, an organism that lives on or in another (the host) from which it obtains food, shelter, etc.

Parasitoid
An internal or external parasite.

Paraxial
Up and down movement (vertical) in a plane almost parallel to the median plane of the body.

Parenchyma
In trees, simple blunt-ended storage cells.

Parent colony
The main colony containing the queen(s), other castes, and immature including eggs.

Parthenogenesis
Egg development without fertilization.

Patella (pl. patellae)
In Cholicerata (mites, ticks, spiders, etc.), the leg segment between the femur and the tibia.

Pathogen
Any microorganism or its product which causes disease.

PCO
Pest control operator; one engaged in pest control as a profession.

Pectinate
Comblike; with even processes like the teeth of a comb.

Pedicel
The waist of an ant (Formicidae) or of other Hymenoptera, composed of one segment (the petiole) or 2 segments (petiole plus postpetiole); the 2nd antennae segment of insects; in spiders (Araneae), the narrow waist/stalk connecting the cephalothorax and abdomen.

Pedipalps
The second pair of appendages of the cephalothorax in Arachnida.

Perimeter Barrier Treatment
Application of a pesticide to the perimeter of a building, not to exceed 10 feet (3 m) outward or higher than 1-3 feet or to the bottom of any siding.

Peritremal Tube
In mites (Acari), a hardened/sclerotized tubelike structure extending forward, or sometimes rearward, near the lateral margin, from the stigmata (breathing pore).

Peritreme
In fly larvae (Diptera), the margin of the spiracular plate; see Peritremal tube.

Permeability
The ability to absorb water; the relative ease with which moisture can penetrate under a pressure gradient.

Perpendicular
Oriented or being at a right angle (90’) to another surface.

Petiolate
Stalked.

Petiole
The first node or segment of the pedicel or waist of ants (Formicidae) and other Hymenoptera.

Pheromone
A chemical usually secreted by a gland which is released outside the body and is used n communication within a species.

Pile
Thick, short, fine hairs/setae giving a velvety appearance; in construction/building, a cylindrical/flat member of wood/steel/concrete/etc. that is hammered vertically into soil to form part of the foundation.

Piling
A mass of building piles considered collectively with a pile being a cylindrical/flat member of wood/steel/concrete/etc. that is hammered vertically into soil to form part of the foundation.

Pilis dentilis
In mites (Acari), the bristle attached to the inner surface of the immovable member/digit of the chelicerae (mouthparts).

Pinaculum (pl. pinacula)
In larval Lepidoptera, a small, flat wartlike (scierotized/thickened) area bearing 1-4 setae (hairs).

Plantar bristles
In adult fleas (Siphonaptera), the bristles located on the tarsal segments.

Planthoppers
A member of the insect order Homoptera, superfamily Fulgoroidea, characterized by the antenna borne on the sides of the head between the eyes, the beak usually short and rising at the back of the head, 4 wings with front wings slightly thickened and its 2 anal veins meeting distally to form a Y-vein, middle coxae elongate and separated, and jumping insects, mostly 3/8" (1 0 mm) or less.

Plumose
Featherlike; feathery in appearance.

Pollen basket
In adult bees (Hymenoptera: superfamily Apoidea), the concave, smooth space on the posterior tibia, fringed with hairs and functioning to hold collected pollen.

Pollinose
Covered with a loose, mealy dust like the pollen of flowers; surface covered with a whitish dusting.

Polymorphic
Of or having more than one form.

Porosity of Wood
The state or quality of being porus (full of pores); the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the volume of the pores or interstices (spaces between pores) of wood to the total volume of its mass.

Posterior
Hind or rear, hindmost.

Posthumeral Bristle(s)
In adult flies (Diptera), the bristle(s) on the anterolateral (front side) surface of the scutum (mesonotum) just to the inside of the humeral callus (shoulder).

Postscutum
In adult flies (Diptera), the area below the scutum (rear most dorsal thoracic plate).

Postsutural Arcostichal Setae
In adult flies (Diptera), the lst row of bristles to each side of the midline on the mesonotum (scutum).

Potablewater
Water fit or suitable for drinking.

Preadult
In thrips (Thysanoptera), the more than one stage proceeding the adult.

Predator
An organism that obtains its food by the periodic killing of prey organisms.

Prepupa
In thrips (Thysanoptera), the inactive 3rd instar proceeding the 4th instar/pupa in the suborder Terebrantia.

Prespiracular Tubercle
In larval Lepidoptera, the wartlike (scierotized/thickened) area between the spiracle and the front edge of the prothoracic segment, bearing setae (hairs).

Presutural Bristle(s)
In adult flies (Diptera), the bristle(s) located to the side and just in front of the mesonotal/transverse suture (=behind the rear most posthumeral bristle) on the mesonotum.

Pretarsus (pl. pretarsi)
The 6th or terminal leg segment, usually consisting of 2 claws and one or more padlike structures.

Primary Reproductive
In termites (isoptera), the colony founding male or female derived from a winged adult.

Primary Setae
In larval Lepidoptera, those setae (hairs) with a definite arrangement, and found in all instars, including the lst instar.

Proboscis
The protruding mouthpart structures of sucking insects; a beak.

Profile
The insect or object when viewed from its side.

Prolog
A fleshy abdominal process, occurring in pairs, used for locomotion in larvae of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), and sawflies (Hymenoptera).

Pronotal Comb
In adult fleas (Siphonaptera), a row of strong spines located on the pronotum’s posterior margin.

Pronotal Shield
An expanded pronotum.

Pronotum
The dorsal or top surface plate of the prothorax.

Propodeum
In adult Hymenoptera, the first abdominal segment when fused with the thorax.

Propodosoma
In mites (Acari), the plate just behind the mouthparts and between the I st pair of legs.

Protealytic Enzymes
Protein-splitting enzymes.

Prothorax
The first or front segment of the thorax, bearing the first pair of legs and without wings (except for order Strepsiptera).

Protonymph
In mites (Acari), the normal 2nd instar (lst=larva, 3rd=Deutonymph).

Proventriculus
The rear part of the foregut behind the crop and before the midgut, variously modified in insects to aid in food processing; the gizzard.

Psammophore
In Hymenoptera, a group of long coarse hairs on the underside of the head in adult ants (Formicidae) and vespid wasps (Vespidae).

PSH
Pulmonary syndrome hantavirus.

Pterostigma
In adult psocids (Psocoptera), the pigmented spot/cell on the front wing located along the front edge before the apex of vein R1.

Pubescence
Clothed with soft, short, fine, loosely set hairs/setae; downy.

Pulvillus (pl. pulvilli)
In adult flies (Diptera), a padlike lobe or structure beneath the tarsal claws.

Punctures
Pits or small impressions on the cuticle, like made with a pin/needle.

Pupa (pl. pupae)
The resting or transformation stage of insects with complete metamorphosis; the developmental stage between larva and adult.

Puparium (pl. puparia)
In flies (Diptera), the third larval instar molt skin within which the pupa is formed.

Pygidium
The tergum (dorsal plate) of the last visible segment of the abdomen.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

Q

Queen
Female member of a reproductive caste of a social species; in termites (isoptera), a dealated, inseminated female adult or primary reproductive.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

R

Ray Parenchyma
In trees, the simple, blunt-ended storage cells of the spawood that are oriented radially.

Regeneration
The reproduction/regrowth of a lost part.

Replete
In adult ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), an individual whose crop is greatly distended with liquid food, such that the abdominal intersegmental membranes are stretched tight, which typically hang from the chamber ceiling and serve as living reservoirs.

Reservoir (animal disease)
An animal which serves as a living storage vessel for a disease-causing organism(s) that are then transmitted to other animals by direct/indirect contact and/or by insects, ticks, mites, etc.

Reticulate
Superficially netlike or made up of a network of lines.

RH
Relative humidity.

Rhizomorph
The rootlike thick strands of fungal hyphae.

Roost
In birds, a perch upon which they rest at night; in bats, the place where they rest during the day.

Rump
In birds (Aves), the dorsal area between the wings just before the tail.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

S

Sapwood
The softer part of the wood between the bark and the inner/central heartwood.

Satellite Colony
A secondary colony which does not contain either a queen(s) or eggs, and is connected to the parent colony.

Scale
A flattened seta or hairlike structure.

Scale Insect
See Coccids.

Scape
The first or basal antennal segment.

Scepular Hairs/Setae
In mites (Acari), the dorsal pair of hairs/setae to either side about midway between the midline and lateral margin, approximately in line with the 2nd pair of legs.

Scavenger
A organism that feeds on dead or decaying plant or animal materials, or on animal wastes; larvae which feed on grain only after the seed coat has been broken, either mechanically or by some other insect (stored product pests).

Scent Glands
In bugs (Heteroptera), the opening to the gland located on each side of the thorax between the 2nd and 3rd pair of legs.

Scierite
Any plate of the body wall bounded by membrane and/or sutures.

Sclerotized
Hardened cuticle through scierotization, involving the development of crosslinks between protein chains.

Scolus (pl. scoli)
In certain moth (Lepidoptera) larvae, tubercles in the form of spinose projections of the body wall whose spines are sometimes urticaceous/stinging.

Scutellum
In adult flies (Diptera), the rear tip (often triangular) of the metathorax; in adult beetles (Coleoptera), the triangular part of the mesothorax between the bases of the slytra.

Scutum (pl. scuta)
Any shield-shaped plate; the dorsal shield just behind the mouthparts of ticks and mites (Acari); in adult flies (Diptera), the middle division of the thoracic notum, just in front of the scutellum.

Seasoned Wood
Wood that has had its wood moisture content reduced to 19% or lower.

Secondary Colony
In termites (Isoptera), a colony of subterranean termites existing above ground which is made possible by a stable above-ground moisture source.

Secondary Pest
Insects and mites which feed on food materials which are in poor condition, usually damp and/or have some mold growth present.

Secondary Reproductive
In termites (Isoptera), reproductives which developed from nymphs; nymphoid reproductive.

Secondary Setae
In larval Lepidoptera, numerous setae (hairs) scattered over the cuticle, not constant in number or position, often occurring in tufts; usually absent in lst instar and often defensive in function.

Seed Tick
The first instar tick (Acari).

Segment
A subdivision of the body or of an appendage between joints or areas of flexibility.

Seminal Receptacle
In female mites (Acari), the structure which receives the sperm of the male.

Sensillae
In chiggers (Acari), the long hairlike structures which have 6-8 branches in their outer half located on the outer half of the dorsal shield.

Serpentine
Snakelike in appearance.

Serrate
Sawlike, with notched edges like the teeth of a saw blade; in spiders (Araneae), the serrate/toothed claws on the tarsal tip.

Seta (pl. setae)
A bristle; a scierotized hairlike projection.

Setal Comb
Tufts of hairs (setae).

Setula (pl. setulae)
In fly larvae (Diptera), very small bristles or cone-shaped processes on their ambulatory areas.

Sheetrock
Preformed building material consisting of usually 1" (24.5 mm) or less thickness of plaster covered with paper, coming in 4 ft x 8 ft (1.2 m x 2.4 m) sheets, and attached to wall studs and coiling joists; plasterboard.

Shield
In mites and ticks (Acari), a sclerotized or hardened plate located dorsally or ventrally; in insects, it is usually located on the dorsal half of a segment.

Simple
Unmodified by any condition causing complexity; not forked, toothed, branched, or divided. Simple eye An eye consisting of a single lens; an ocellus. Simple metamorphosis In insects, development in which there is no pupal stage. Sinuous Undulating, curved in and out.

Social Insect
An insect belonging to a group in which individuals display all of the following traits: cooperative care of the young; reproductive division of labor, with more or less sterile individuals working on behalf of the reproductives; and an overlap of at least 2 generations.

Softwood
The wood of evergreen or conifer trees.

Species (pl. species)
Fundamentally similar individuals who interbreed and produce offspring, but who do not ordinarily interbreed with other groups.

Spermatheca (pl. spermathecae)
The sperm storage organ located in the female abdominal cavity; the receptacle of sperm during copulation.

Spermatophore
A packet of sperm; in springtails (Collembola), it is deposited on the ground/or surface by the male and picked up later by the female.

Spiderlings
Young/immature spiders, often used to refer to the just-hatched or lst instar spiders.

Spine
A thornlike process of the cuticule not separated from it by a joint.

Spinnerets
In spiders (Araneae), the small tubular appendages located on rear/posterior end of the abdomen below the anus from which silk threads are extruded; in larval insects, they are usually located on the labium (lower lip).

Spinose
Armed with throny spines.

Spiracle
The external opening of the tracheal (respiratory) system.

Spirochete
A corkscrew-shaped bacterium, belonging to the order Spirochaetales.

Spore
In fungi, the single-cell reproductive body.

Sporophore
Fungal fruiting bodies which produce spores.

Squab
Pigeon nestling, marketed when full grown but still unfledged (unable to fly).

Squama (pl. squamae)
Any scalelike sturcture; in adult flies (Diptera), a calypter which is one of 2 basal lobes located at the base of the wing along the rear margin.

STD
Sexually transmitted disease.

Sternal Shield
In mites (Acari), the sclerotized/hardened ventral plate located adjacent to the mouthparts and I st pair of legs.

Sternum (pl. sterna)
A hardened body wall plate on the ventral or bottom side.

Stigma (pl. stigmata)
In mites (Acari), an opening to the respiratory system.

Stinger
In Hymenoptera, the modified ovipositor used for injecting venom; in scorpions (Scorpions), the modified terminal abdominal segment (=telson) used for injecting venom.

Stria (pl. striae)
Any long, fine impressed line; in adult beetles (Coleoptera), the longitudinal depressed line or furrow, often punctured, running the length of the elytra (wing covers); in mites (Acari), the almost parallel fine impressed lines/grooves on the body surface.

Structural/Dimension Lumber
Wood which is at least a 2x4".

Style
Slender projecting, nonarticulated (unsegmented), process or prolongation.

Stylet
A small, slender style or stiff process.

Stylus (pl. stylle)
Fingerlike processes; a small, pointed, nonarticulated process.

Subantennal Suture(s)
In certain insects (e.g. adult flies/Diptera), the impressed line(s)/groove(s) extending from the antennal bass downward toward the mouth to the subgenal suture.

Subimago
In winged mayflies (Ephemeroptera), the winged developmental stage immediately before the reproductively mature adult (imago).

Submarginal Cell
In adult Hymenoptera, one or more calls of the wing located immediately behind (rearward) the marginal cells.

Subspiniform
Somewhat spinelike, not quite spinalike or spine-shaped.

Suture
Impressed line/groove/furrow marking the line of fusion of 2 formerly distinct plates; the line of juncture of elytra, tegmina, or hemielytra.

Swarmer
A winged reproductive; in ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and termites (Isoptera), a member of the mass exodus of winged reproductives from the nest for the mating flight; in honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae), a member of the mass of workers and queen which suddenly leave the colony to start a new colony.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

T

Tarantism
In myth, the frenzied dance preformed by people who thought they had been bitten by a large European wolf spider which took its name from the city of Taranto in Italy.

Tarsi Appearing
In insects, when 1 or more tarsal segments are very small and/or partially hidden by an ajoining segment such that they are present but difficult to see/detect.

Tarsus (pl. tarsi)
The 5th leg segment, located immediately beyond the tibia, and often subdivided into "segments."

Taxonomist
One who studies/practices the science of identification, naming, and classification of organisms.

Tegmen (pl. tegmina)
The hardened leathery front wing usually with reduced venation of Blattodea, Mantodea, Orthoptera, and certain Heteroptera.

Tegula (pl. tegulao)
A scierite/plate at the extreme base of the front wing costa, being very large and overlapping the wing base in Lapidoptera and being well-developed in the Hymenoptera and Diptera.

Telson
In scorpions (Scorpiones), the narrow last 5 taillike segments of the abdomen ending in a sting.

Temperate Region/Zone
That part of the earth’s surface having a climate that is warm in the summer, cold in the winter, and moderate in the spring and autumn; area between the tropic of Cancer and Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere or between the tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle in the Southern Hemisphere.

Temple
The part of the head behind the compound eyes (Coleoptera/beeties).

Tenaculum
In springtails (Collembola), the clasplike structure with 2 divergent prongs located medially on the venter of the 3rd abdominal segment that serves to hold the furcula (the forked spring).

Tenant Hairs
In mites (Acari), the suckerlike adhesive hairs/setas located on the tip of the tarsi in some species.

Tentacle(s)
In slugs and snails (Geophila), the tubercle/stalk on the head that often bares an eye at its tip, usually 2 pairs present.

Tergite
A dorsal scierite or plate; the dorsal part of a segment.

Tergum (pl. terga)
The dorsal/top surface plate of an abdominal segment.

Terminal
Located at the tip, end, or extremity.

Thorax (adj. thoracic)
The middle body region which bears legs and wings, if present.

Tibia (pl. tibiae)
The 4th leg segment, located between the femur and the tarsus.

Tow
Flax, hemp, or jute fibers.

Trachea (pl. tracheae)
The small tubes of the insect’s breathing/respiratory system which open externally at spiracles.

Tragus
In bats (Chiroptera), the leaflike structure located in the ear.

Translucent
Almost clear but slightly milky.

Transverse suture
See mesonotal suture.

Trapezoidal
Four-sided, having 2 sides parallel (1 side usually shorter than the other) and 2 sides nonparallel (usually of equal length).

Tritonymph
In mites (Acari), the normal 4th stage in development (lst=egg, 2nd=larva, 3rd=protonymph, 5th=adult).

Trochanter
The 2nd leg segment, located between the coxa and the femur.

Trophallactic fluid
A glandular fluid given by larvae to adults after being fed.

Tropical Region/Zone
The surface area of the earth bounded by the two latitude parallels of 23.5’N (tropic of Cancer) and 23.5’S (tropic of Capricorn) of the equator.

Truncate
Square or broad at the end, as if cut transversely.

Tubercle
A small knoblike/wartlike rounded protuberance or lobe.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

U

Ulceration
A sore open to the surface of the body accompanied by the disintegration of tissue, the formation of puss, etc.

ULV Application
Ultra low volume application.

Uristigmate
In chiggers (Acari), the external opening to the respiratory system that is always associated with the coxae of the lst pair of legs.

Urogomphi (sing. urogomphus)
In beetle larvae (Coleoptera), the usually paired process from the posterior end of the tergum (dorsal plate) of the 9th abdominal segment, being either jointed and movable or unjointed and nonmovable.

Uropod (pl. uropoda)
Any abdominal appendage of arthropods; in Crustacea, one of the terminal pair of abdominal appendages, usually lobelike.

Urticaceous Spines/Hairs
In certain caterpillars (Lepidoptera) and adult insects, hairs/setae or spines connected to cutaneous poison glands, through which venom issues (=stinging hairs); or barbed hairs/setae which cause mechanical irritation.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

V

Variegated
Of several colors in an indefinite pattern.

Vector
The intermediate host; an organism that transmits a pathogenic virus, bacterium, etc.

Vein
A thickened line in a wing, often darkened; a thin, tubular structure supporting the wing membrane.

Venation
The pattern of veins in a wing; the complete vein system in a wing.

Ventral
Pertaining to the belly or underside; lower or underneath.

Ventrolateral
On the underneath/lower surface and to one side of the midline.

Vertebrate
A animal having a backbone or spinal column.

Vertex
The top of the head between the eyes (compound eyes in adults), frons/face, and occiput (back of head).

Vertical
Oriented or going up and down, top to bottom; being upright or perpendicular to the horizon.

Vertical Front Ridge
In adult flies (Diptera), the raised line that goes around the antennae bases.

Vesicular Dermatitis
Small blisters on human skin.

Vestigial
Greatly reduced in size from what is typical or normal for that structure; poorly developed.

Vibrissae (sing. vibrissa)
Long whiskers; stiff tactile hairs.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

Back to Top

W

Weep Hole
An artificial hole left in masonry walls in the mortar area for the purpose of allowing water vapor to escape.

Whitefly
A member of the insect order Homoptera, family Aleyrodidae, characterized by being very small (about 1/16-1/8"/ 2-3 mm), body covered with a white powder, hind wing almost as large as front wing, wings held horizontal over body at rest, antenna 7-segmented, and tarsi 2-segmented.

Whorl
A ring of hairs set about a joint or center like the spokes of a wheel; in snails (Geophila), a complete circle of the shell.

Wing Pads
The encased undeveloped wings of nymphs which appear on the meso- and methorax as 2 flattish structures.

Wing Scale
In termites (Isoptera), the small basal portion of the wing remaining attached to the adult after the main portion of the wing is shed along the fracture line (basal suture).

Wood Moisture Content (WMC)
The moisture content of the plant’s cell walls.

Back to Top

All trademarks or product names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.