Adenotrophic viviparity
- Pronunciation
- /ah-deh-noh-TROH-fik vye-VIP-uh-ree-tee/
- Category
- Reproduction
- Singular
- Adenotrophic viviparity
- Plural
- Adenotrophic viviparities
Definition
A form of reproduction in some dipteran insects where the embryo develops inside the female's body, nourished by specialized milk glands, and is born as a fully developed larva.
Etymology
From Greek 'aden-', meaning 'gland', 'trophos', meaning 'nourishment', and 'viviparous', from Latin 'viviparus', meaning 'bringing forth live young'.
Example
Tsetse flies exhibit adenotrophic viviparity, where the larva develops internally and is nourished by the mother's milk glands.
Related Terms
- Viviparity
- Oviparity
- Larviparity
- Diptera
- Tsetse fly
Usage Notes
Adenotrophic viviparity is relatively rare and is an adaptation to specific ecological niches, providing protection and nourishment to developing larvae.