family Tenebrionidae

9.9

A group of beetles like darkling beetles and mealworms with hard bodies that live in dry places

noun
/ˈfɛmɪli ˌtɛnəˈbrɪəniˌdeɪ/

Specialized

: familia Tenebrionidae

Mealworms, the larvae of beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, are popular for feeding reptiles and birds.

Examples

Members of the family Tenebrionidae are commonly found in arid environments across the world.
The family Tenebrionidae includes many species used in scientific research and as food for pets.
The family Tenebrionidae includes various species of darkling beetles.
Many insects in the family Tenebrionidae thrive in arid climates.
Many insects in the family Tenebrionidae thrive in arid climates and are essential for the ecosystem.
Members of the family Tenebrionidae are commonly found in arid environments across the world.
The family Tenebrionidae includes many species used in scientific research and as food for pets.

Synonyms

Tenebrionidae

vsfamily Tenebrionidae

Specialized

9.9

A group of dark beetles like mealworms that live in dry places

is the same but uses the term family before the name

Surface Forms

family Tenebrionidae singular

families Tenebrionidae plural

Morphology

family + Tenebrionidae

This is a straightforward taxonomic label: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the taxon name 'Tenebrionidae' directly yields 'the family called Tenebrionidae, a group of beetles.' The meaning is compositional and follows cross-linguistic scientific naming conventions, so a learner who knows both constituents will understand it.

Etymology

Family Tenebrionidae gets its name from the Latin word Tenebrio, from 'tenebrae' meaning 'darkness'. Many of these beetles are dark and live in dry, hidden places, so the name points to a family of 'dark' beetles known for surviving in dry environments.