Palaeodictyoptera
- Pronunciation
- /pal-ee-o-dik-TEE-oh-pter-a/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Palaeodictyopteran
- Plural
- Palaeodictyopterans
Definition
An order of extinct insects with a primitive wing venation pattern, characterized by their large size and often predatory nature.
Etymology
From Greek 'palaios' meaning 'ancient', 'diktyon' meaning 'net', and 'pteron' meaning 'wing'.
Example
Palaeodictyoptera fossils have been found in rock deposits dating back to the Carboniferous period.
Related Terms
- Extinct
- Insects
- Wing venation
Usage Notes
Palaeodictyoptera are considered to be among the earliest known insects with true wings.