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Glite Dictionary
Zygoptera

Zygoptera

9.9
Small flying insects like dragonflies with slender bodies and wings of equal size that they hold together when resting
  • noun
  • /ˈzaɪɡəˌptərə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Zygoptera
  • Scientists observed several species of Zygoptera near the riverbank.

Examples

  • Unlike dragonflies, members of Zygoptera hold their wings together when at rest.

  • The Zygoptera are fascinating insects to observe.

  • The colorful wings of Zygoptera make them easy to spot in wetlands.

  • Did you know that Zygoptera have wings of equal size?

  • The suborder Zygoptera is known for the exquisite beauty of its damselfly species.

  • Scientists have identified many unique traits within the Zygoptera, particularly their equal-sized wings.

  • In the wetlands, Zygoptera can often be spotted gracefully hovering over the water.

Synonyms

damselfly
vsZygoptera
1 8.1

A small, slender insect like a dragonfly that rests with its wings folded together and does not sting

refers to the broader taxonomic subgroup that includes those insects
suborder Zygoptera
vsZygoptera
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of insects that includes damselflies, small thin flying insects

has identical meaning but uses a different label form

Compounds

suborder Zygoptera
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of insects that includes damselflies, small thin flying insects

Surface Forms

Zygoptera singular
Zygopteras plural

Morphology

Zygoptera = zygo + ptera

The term is built from Greek combining forms ('zygo-' = paired, '-ptera' = wings) that are not standalone English words, so an average B1 learner cannot derive the meaning from familiar English bases.

Etymology

Zygoptera comes from Greek parts zygo- meaning 'joined' or 'yoked' and -ptera meaning 'wings'. So, Zygoptera literally means 'joined wings', which fits the group of damselflies because they have slender bodies and two wings of the same size that they often hold together when resting.