Bivoltine
- Pronunciation
- /bye-VOL-teen/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Bivoltine
- Plural
- Bivoltines
Definition
Referring to insects, particularly silkworms and some other species, that have two generations per year.
Etymology
From Latin 'bi-' meaning 'two' and 'voltinus' from 'volta,' meaning 'turn' or 'cycle' in Italian.
Example
Bivoltine silkworms produce cocoons twice a year, unlike univoltine varieties which produce only once.
Synonyms
- Two-brooded
Related Terms
- Univoltine
- Multivoltine
- Lifecycle
- Generations
Usage Notes
Bivoltine species are particularly significant in sericulture (silk farming) due to their ability to produce silk more frequently within a year.