Heteroptera

Pronunciation
/HET-er-OP-ter-uh/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Heteroptera
Plural
Heteroptera

Definition

A suborder of insects in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as true bugs.

Etymology

From Greek 'heteros', meaning 'different', and 'pteron', meaning 'wing'.

Example

Heteroptera are characterized by their specialized mouthparts for piercing and sucking plant fluids.

Related Terms

Usage Notes

The term Heteroptera is sometimes considered a suborder within Hemiptera, while other classifications may place them as a separate order.