Ergatoid

/ˈɜrɡətɔɪd/ adjective

Definition

Resembling or having the characteristics of a worker ant or bee.

Etymology

From 'ergates' plus Greek '-oid' (resembling), this descriptive term identifies insects that look or behave like workers.

Kelly Says

Ergatoid is useful because some insects morph between castes during their lifetime, so scientists needed a word to describe the 'worker-like' phase they're in.

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