Calypter
- Pronunciation
- /kal-ip-ter/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Calypter
- Plural
- Calypters
Definition
A membranous lobe or flap covering the halteres at the base of the wings of certain dipteran flies, aiding in flight stability.
Etymology
From Greek 'kalyptēr', meaning 'cover' or 'sheath'.
Example
The calypters of the housefly help to stabilize its flight.
Synonyms
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Calypters are characteristic of some, but not all, dipteran flies, particularly those in the superfamily Muscoidea.