Gauzewing

/ɡɔːzˌwɪŋ/ noun

Definition

Any insect of the order Neuroptera, including lacewings and antlions, which have delicate, gauze-like wings with intricate vein patterns.

Etymology

Compound word from 'gauze' (thin translucent fabric) plus 'wing,' describing the characteristic appearance of these insects' wings which resemble gauzy material.

Kelly Says

Gauzewings are incredible hunters—lacewings can fly silently and use their gauze-like wings to perform aerial acrobatics to catch tiny insects! Their wings are so delicate yet so perfectly engineered that engineers actually study them for aeronautical designs.

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