Protelytroptera

Pronunciation
/proh-tel-ee-TROP-ter-uh/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Protelytropteron
Plural
Protelytroptera

Definition

An extinct order of insects that are considered ancestors of modern termites and some other hemimetabolous insects, known primarily from the Permian period.

Etymology

From Greek 'protos', meaning 'first' or 'primitive', and 'elytron', meaning 'wing cover'.

Example

Fossils of Protelytroptera show their primitive wing structure that provides insights into the evolution of modern termites.

Related Terms