Anapterygote

/ænæptəˈrɪɡoʊt/ noun

Definition

A primitive wingless insect belonging to the group Anapterygota, such as springtails, which never evolved wings in their evolutionary history.

Etymology

From Greek 'an-' (without), 'a-' (without), 'pteryx' (wing), and '-ote' (one having). Zoological term for these ancient insect forms.

Kelly Says

Anapterygotes literally have 'un-wings'—they're insects that never needed to develop flight because they found perfectly good niches in soil and leaf litter without leaving the ground.

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