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Glite Dictionary
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stemmata

stemmata

9.9
Simple eyes on some insects that sense light
  • noun
  • /ˈstɛmətə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : estemata
  • Caterpillars use their stemmata to sense changes in light and darkness.

Examples

  • Unlike adult insects with compound eyes, larvae rely on stemmata for basic vision.

  • The larvae of some insects have stemmata to help them sense light.

  • The scientist examined the arrangement of stemmata on the larva's head under a microscope.

  • Some species of moths possess stemmata for navigation.

  • Caterpillars use their stemmata to sense changes in light and darkness.

  • Unlike adult insects with compound eyes, larvae rely on stemmata for basic vision when navigating their environment.

  • The scientist examined the arrangement of stemmata found on the larva's head to understand its light detection capacity.

Synonyms

stemma
vsstemmata
  • Specialized
9.9

A small simple eye with one lens that detects light but not clear images

focuses on its role detecting light mainly in some insect larvae and arthropods
ocellus
vsstemmata
  • Specialized
9.9

A simple eye with one lens that detects light on many insects and jellyfish

is narrower, present mainly in some insect larvae and arthropods

Surface Forms

stemma singular
stemmata plural

Etymology

Stemmata comes from the Latin stemma, a word for a 'mark' or 'wreath', and was used for small spots or signs. A helpful way to remember the insect sense is that these simple eyes look like little marks on the head, so stemmata means those light‑sensing spots.