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family Elateridae

family Elateridae

9.4
A group of beetles called click beetles, some of which glow like fireflies
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ɪˈleɪtəˌriːdeɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia Elateridae
  • The family Elateridae includes hundreds of species commonly referred to as click beetles.

Examples

  • Some members of the family Elateridae produce light and are mistaken for fireflies.

  • Scientists have studied the jumping mechanism unique to the family Elateridae.

  • The family Elateridae includes many fascinating species.

  • Did you know that the family Elateridae contains click beetles?

  • The family Elateridae is fascinating because it contains species that can produce light.

  • Many people are surprised to learn that the family Elateridae includes insects known as click beetles.

  • Researchers have identified various species within the family Elateridae, some of which resemble fireflies.

Synonyms

Elateridae
vsfamily Elateridae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of beetles that make a clicking sound to flip into the air when threatened

is the general large family term without stressing the escape mechanism

Surface Forms

Morphology

family + Elateridae

The noun phrase is fully compositional: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the taxon name 'Elateridae' yields the meaning 'the group of Elateridae beetles.' This follows a standard taxonomic noun-noun pattern found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can derive the meaning.

Etymology

Family Elateridae may come from the old Greek word elater meaning 'to leap'. These beetles make a loud 'click' and flip into the air to escape, so the name points to their jumping trick.