Polyctenidae
- Pronunciation
- /pol-i-KTEN-id-ee/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Polyctenid
- Plural
- Polyctenidae
Definition
A family of parasitic insects in the order Hemiptera, known as bat bugs, which infest bats and are characterized by their small, flattened bodies and adaptations for clinging to their hosts.
Full guide
Read the full Polyctenidae guide for identification, examples, and taxonomy.
Etymology
From Greek 'poly-', meaning 'many', and 'kten-', meaning 'comb' or 'spine', referring to the comb-like structures on their bodies.
Example
The Polyctenidae are specialized to live on bats, with adaptations that allow them to cling tightly to their hosts' fur.