Glossata
- Pronunciation
- /GLOSS-ah-ta/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Plural
- Glossata
Definition
An infraorder of insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera. Characterized by the presence of a proboscis, which is used for feeding on liquid substances like nectar.
Etymology
From Greek 'glossa', meaning 'tongue', referring to the development of a proboscis from the fused glossae.
Example
Glossata includes all butterflies and moths with a fully developed proboscis for feeding.