NEUROPTERA Meaning and
Definition
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Neuroptera is a taxonomic order of insects characterized by delicate membranous wings with an elaborate network of veins. The term "Neuroptera" originates from the Greek words "neuron" meaning "sinew" or "nerve," and "pteron" meaning "wing." The order Neuroptera consists of approximately 6,000 known species, including lacewings, antlions, and owlflies.
Members of the Neuroptera order are commonly referred to as the "nerve-winged" insects due to the intricate venation patterns on their wings. These unique wings are transparent and have numerous cross-veins that form an intricate network. Neuropterans also possess biting mouthparts, thread-like antennae, and elongated bodies. Many species display a unique wing folding mechanism wherein the wings are held tent-like over the abdomen at rest.
Neuroptera insects have a worldwide distribution and can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Lacewings, a well-known neuropteran group, are often valued as biological control agents due to their voracious predatory behavior, targeting a wide range of insect pests. Antlions, another prominent group, construct pit-like traps to capture prey, and their larvae are known for their ability to consume large numbers of insects.
While Neuroptera species exhibit considerable diversity in appearance, they all share a common feeding strategy of being primarily carnivorous or predatory. Their diet typically includes small arthropods like aphids, mites, and small insects. Neopterans also play crucial roles in ecosystems, serving as indicators of habitat health and contributing to nutrient recycling through their consumption of other invertebrates.
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An order of insects characterised by the finely-reticulated nervures of their membraneous wings, of which there are two pairs.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NEUROPTERA
- beuroptera
- meuroptera
- jeuroptera
- heuroptera
- nwuroptera
- nsuroptera
- nduroptera
- nruroptera
- n4uroptera
- n3uroptera
- neyroptera
- nehroptera
- nejroptera
- neiroptera
- ne8roptera
- ne7roptera
- neueoptera
- neudoptera
- neufoptera
Etymology of NEUROPTERA
The word "Neuroptera" is derived from Greek roots. It combines two Greek words: "neuron" meaning "sinew" or "nerve", and "ptera" meaning "wings". Therefore, "Neuroptera" literally translates to "nerve-wings", which refers to the network-like veins present in the wings of insects belonging to this order.
Similar spelling words for NEUROPTERA
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