Pronunciation: [mˈɒlɪtə] (IPA) 
Molitor is a word of Latin origin that refers to a miller. Its spelling can be a bit tricky, as there are some silent letters involved. To spell it correctly, one needs to remember that the "o" before "i" is usually pronounced as a "oh" sound, as in "go" or "so". Therefore, the pronunciation of "molitor" is /məˈlɪtər/ (muh-LIH-tuh-r). The "t" in the middle is also pronounced, making it a two-syllable word.
Molitor is a noun that refers to a term commonly used in biology, specifically in the field of entomology. It specifically denotes a species of beetle called "Tenebrio molitor," also known as the darkling beetle or simply the mealworm.
The molitor is a medium-sized, nocturnal insect that belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Tenebrionidae. It is characterized by its elongated, segmented body covered with a hard, dark exoskeleton. The molitor typically ranges in size from 1.25 to 3 centimeters in length.
This species of beetle is widely distributed across different regions of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is well-known for its larval form, known as the mealworm, which serves as a valuable food source for many animals, such as birds, reptiles, and certain mammals.
The molitor's life cycle starts with an egg, which hatches into a larva, known as the mealworm, that goes through several molts before pupating and eventually emerging as an adult beetle. The larvae are voracious feeders that consume a variety of organic matter, including decaying vegetation, grains, and stored food products, hence their name "mealworms."
Furthermore, the molitor has gained attention due to its significant use in scientific research and as a model organism for studying aspects such as development, physiology, and behavior. Its ease of cultivation, short life cycle, and ecological importance make Molitor an interesting subject in scientific investigations.
The word "molitor" comes from Late Latin "mŏlītor", which means "miller" or "grain grinder". The source Latin word is derived from the verb "mŏlere", meaning "to grind".
