Ergatogynous

/ˌɜrɡətˈɒdʒɪnəs/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or having characteristics of both worker and female reproductive forms in insect colonies.

Etymology

From 'ergatogyne' plus the adjectival suffix '-ous,' describing the intermediate morphological and behavioral traits of these hybrid castes.

Kelly Says

This tongue-twister describes ants that are part worker, part queen—they break the normal colony rules and show us that nature doesn't always stick to rigid categories.

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