family Elateridae
- noun
- /ˈfæmɪli ɪˈleɪtəˌriːdeɪ/
- Specialized
- The family Elateridae includes hundreds of species commonly referred to as click beetles.
Examples
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Some members of the family Elateridae produce light and are mistaken for fireflies.
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Scientists have studied the jumping mechanism unique to the family Elateridae.
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The family Elateridae includes many fascinating species.
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Did you know that the family Elateridae contains click beetles?
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The family Elateridae is fascinating because it contains species that can produce light.
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Many people are surprised to learn that the family Elateridae includes insects known as click beetles.
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Researchers have identified various species within the family Elateridae, some of which resemble fireflies.
Synonyms
A group of beetles that make a clicking sound to flip into the air when threatened
Surface Forms
Morphology
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.