Eruciform
- Pronunciation
- /eh-ROO-sih-form/
- Category
- Morphology
- Singular
- Eruciform
- Plural
- Eruciforms
Definition
Having the form or appearance of a caterpillar; used to describe the worm-like larval stage of insects, particularly Lepidoptera and some Coleoptera.
Etymology
Derived from Latin 'eruca', meaning 'caterpillar', and '-form', meaning 'having the form of'.
Example
The eruciform larvae of many beetles are often mistaken for caterpillars due to their similar appearance.
Synonyms
- Caterpillar-like
- Larva-like
Related Terms
- Larva
- Lepidoptera
- Coleoptera
- Holometabolism
Usage Notes
Eruciform is typically used to describe the larval stages in certain insect orders that undergo complete metamorphosis, resembling caterpillars.