Heteropterous

/ˌhetərəˈptərəs/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of insects with wings of different kinds, especially the true bugs and beetles.

Etymology

From Greek 'hetero-' (different) + 'pterous' (relating to wings, from 'pteron'). This adjective describes a major insect characteristic.

Kelly Says

The heteropterous wing design has been so successful that beetles and true bugs make up nearly a quarter of all known animal species—that's over a million species, all using this 'different wing' trick.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.