Exopterygota

Pronunciation: /ek-soh-TEH-rih-GOH-tuh/

Category: Taxonomy

Singular: Exopterygote

Plural: Exopterygotes

Definition

A subclass of insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis, where the wings develop externally on the nymphs before becoming fully functional in the adult stage.

Etymology

From Greek 'exo-', meaning 'outside', and 'pterygota', which is derived from 'pteron' meaning 'wing'.

Example

Insects such as grasshoppers, termites, and true bugs belong to the subclass Exopterygota.

Synonyms

Hemimetabola
Hemimetabolous insects

Related Terms

Incomplete metamorphosis
Nymph
Endopterygota
Pterygota

Usage Notes

Exopterygota is distinguished from Endopterygota by its mode of development; in Exopterygota, nymphs gradually develop wings externally, whereas in Endopterygota, larvae undergo complete metamorphosis with wings developing internally.