aedeagus
- Pronunciation
- /ee-DEE-uh-gus/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- aedeagus
- Plural
- aedeagi
Definition
The male copulatory organ of insects, particularly common in certain orders such as Coleoptera and Lepidoptera.
Etymology
From New Latin, derived from Greek 'aidoion', meaning 'genitals', and 'agos', meaning 'leader' or 'assembly'.
Example
The entomologist carefully examined the aedeagus under the microscope to identify the beetle species.
Synonyms
Related Terms
- Genitalia
- Parameres
- Spermatheca
- Copulation
Usage Notes
The structure of the aedeagus can be highly variable between species and is often used in taxonomic identification.