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Glite Dictionary
mecopterous

mecopterous

9.9
Relating to insects like scorpionflies
  • adjective
  • /mɪˈkɒptərəs/
  • Specialized
: mecópttero
  • Scientists study mecopterous species to understand evolutionary relationships among insects.

Examples

  • The mecopterous wings of this specimen distinguish it from other insect orders.

  • The forest habitat supports a diverse range of mecopterous insects.

  • The mecopterous insects are fascinating to study.

  • I found a mecopterous specimen in my backyard.

  • Researchers often focus on mecopterous insects to learn more about their unique adaptations.

  • The mecopterous features of this insect make it stand out in the entomological collection.

  • The environment is crucial for the survival of mecopterous species, which thrive in moist habitats.

Surface Forms

mecopterous positive

Morphology

mecopterous = Mecoptera (opaque) = mecoptera + ous

Although formed by adding the productive adjective suffix '-ous' to the taxonomic name 'Mecoptera', understanding the referent requires specialized entomological knowledge and is not guessable by an average learner.

Etymology

Mecopterous comes from Greek parts meco- meaning 'long' and -pterous meaning 'wing', and -pterous is the same root you see in helicopter and pterodactyl where it means 'wing'. So, mecopterous describes insects of the Mecoptera order, like scorpionflies, that have long wings.