Discal cell
- Pronunciation
- /DIS-kul sel/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Discal cell
- Plural
- Discal cells
Definition
A prominent, often closed cell located in the center of the wings of many insects, including butterflies and moths, formed by the veins.
Etymology
From Latin 'discus', meaning 'disk' or 'circle', and 'cellula', meaning 'a small cell'.
Example
The discal cell on the forewing of the butterfly is a key characteristic used in species identification.
Synonyms
- Median cell
Related Terms
- Wing veins
- Forewing
- Hindwing
Usage Notes
Discal cells vary in shape and size among different insect species and are critical in taxonomic classification.