Juvenoid
- Pronunciation
- /JOO-vin-oyd/
- Category
- Physiology
- Singular
- Juvenoid
- Plural
- Juvenoids
Definition
Chemical substances, often synthetic, that mimic juvenile hormones and prevent metamorphosis in insects, promoting the development of additional larval instars.
Etymology
From Latin 'juvenis', meaning 'young', and '-oid' suggesting resemblance.
Example
The presence of juvenoids prevents the metamorphosis of a fruit fly larva, allowing it to stay in its larval stage for longer.
Synonyms
- Juvenile hormone
- Juvenile hormone analogs
Related Terms
- Metamorphosis
- Molting
- Growth
- Development
Usage Notes
Juvenoids are essential for regulating insect growth and development, often used in pest control to extend the larval stage.