Clistogastra

/ˌklɪs.toʊˈɡæs.trə/ noun

Definition

The swollen, egg-containing rear segment of female ants and other insects, especially when sealed or enclosed.

Etymology

From Greek 'kleistos' (closed) and 'gaster' (belly/stomach), referring to the enclosed abdominal section. Used in entomology.

Kelly Says

An ant queen's gaster can produce tens of thousands of eggs per day, and it gets visibly distended—some ant queens are literally just a giant egg-production machine surrounded by workers caring for her every need.

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