Without wings or lacking wings; used in biology to describe insects and other organisms in a wingless state or form.
From Greek a- (without) + pteron (wing) + -ous (adjective-forming suffix). This common biological term describes the permanent or temporary absence of wings in organisms.
Aphids can be apterous or winged depending on conditions—it's like they have a 'flight mode' they can toggle when things get crowded!
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