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Glite Dictionary
Sphecoidea

Sphecoidea

9.9
A large group of wasps that includes the families Sphecidae and Stizidae
  • noun
  • /spɪˈkoʊɪdiə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Sphecoidea
  • Many members of the Sphecoidea are solitary wasps known for their nesting behavior.

Examples

  • The Sphecoidea are known for their unique nesting habits.

  • Scientists studied several species within the Sphecoidea superfamily.

  • Fossil records show that Sphecoidea have existed for millions of years.

  • Many species within Sphecoidea are solitary wasps.

  • Fossil records show that Sphecoidea have existed for millions of years.

  • Many members of the Sphecoidea are solitary wasps known for their nesting behavior.

  • Scientists studied several species within the Sphecoidea superfamily.

Surface Forms

Sphecoidea singular
Sphecoideas plural

Morphology

Sphecoidea = Sphecidae (opaque) = spheco + oidea

The element 'spheco' is a specialized combining form and '-oidea' is a technical taxonomic suffix; this formation is technical and not derivable by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Sphecoidea comes from the Greek root sphex, meaning 'wasp', and the ending -oidea, meaning 'like' and used to name groups of related animals. So Sphecoidea literally means 'wasp-like', which is why it names a large group of wasps.