Heterogyna

/ˌhɛtərəˈdʒaɪnə/ noun

Definition

In entomology, females of different types or forms within the same species, particularly in social insects like ants or bees.

Etymology

From Greek 'hetero-' (different) and 'gyna' (female). This biological term is used in ant and bee studies to describe size or role differences among females.

Kelly Says

Ant colonies contain heterogyna—there's a huge queen and tiny worker females, all the same species but looking so different you'd think they were different insects!

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