Bilateral Symmetry

Definition

This refers to symmetry of the body in which one side is a mirror image of the other side. When divided along the main axis, insects are almost always bilaterally symmetrical, with the left and right halves being mirror images.

Etymology

From Latin 'bi', meaning 'two', and 'lateralis', meaning 'side', and Greek 'symmetria', meaning 'agreement in dimensions'

Example

The butterfly exhibits bilateral symmetry, with patterns on its wings mirroring each other on either side of its body.

Related Terms

• Symmetry
• Mirror Image