Apterous

Definition

Lacking wings; wingless.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-', meaning 'without', and 'pteron', meaning 'wing'.

Example

Many species of ants have apterous workers, which do not possess wings.

Synonyms

• Wingless

Related Terms

• Brachypterous
• Macropterous
• Flightless

Usage Notes

Apterous is commonly used to describe insects that are normally expected to have wings but lack them entirely, not to be confused with brachypterous, which refers to having reduced wings.