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Glite Dictionary
Dermaptera

Dermaptera

9.9
A group of insects that includes earwigs with pinchers at the end of the body
  • noun
  • /ˌdɜrmˈæptərə/
  • Specialized
: Dermaptera
  • The order Dermaptera includes both common earwigs and some less familiar relatives.

Examples

  • The order Dermaptera includes various insects known for their distinctive pincers.

  • Biologists have studied Dermaptera to understand their unique pincers and reproductive behavior.

  • Specimens of Dermaptera are often collected for entomological research.

  • The Dermaptera are fascinating insects.

  • Did you know that Dermaptera have pincer-like appendages?

  • Researchers classify Dermaptera based on their unique characteristics and behaviors.

  • Many people are surprised to learn that Dermaptera are closely related to cockroaches.

Synonyms

earwig
vsDermaptera
4 6.6

A small insect with pincers at the back of its body

groups such insects as a scientific order rather than a single insect

Surface Forms

Dermaptera singular
Dermapteras plural

Morphology

Dermaptera = derm + ptera

The term is a technical taxonomic name built from Greek combining forms ('derm-' + '-ptera') that are not productive standalone English words, so its meaning is not transparently derivable for average learners.

Etymology

Dermaptera comes from Greek words derma 'skin' and ptera 'wings'. Many earwigs in this group have thin wings folded under short, skin-like plates, so the name 'skin-wings' helps you remember this group of insects with pincer-like tails.