Paleopterous
- Pronunciation
- /PAL-ee-OP-ter-us/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Paleopterous
- Plural
- Paleopterous
Definition
Of or belonging to the Paleoptera, an ancient group of insects characterized by having two pairs of fully developed wings that cannot be folded flat over the abdomen.
Etymology
From Greek 'palaios', meaning 'ancient', and 'pteron', meaning 'wing'.
Example
Paleopterous insects, such as dragonflies and mayflies, are considered primitive compared to more advanced groups like the Neoptera.