Anomalon

/ˌænəˈmæloʊn/ noun

Definition

A genus of parasitic wasps characterized by unusual or irregular features that distinguished them from related wasp genera.

Etymology

From Greek anomalos 'uneven' plus the taxonomic suffix -on. This genus name in the family Ichneumonidae was assigned to wasps with atypical characteristics that set them apart from similar parasitic wasp groups.

Kelly Says

These parasitic wasps are so full of unusual traits that scientists basically named the whole genus 'weird wasp'—and it stuck because the name actually helped people understand what makes them special!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.