Pterygota

Definition

A subclass of insects that possess wings or have winged ancestors. Includes most modern insect orders.

Etymology

From Greek 'pteryx', meaning 'wing', and '-ota', a plural suffix used in taxonomy.

Example

Butterflies, bees, and dragonflies all belong to the subclass Pterygota.

Related Terms

• Insecta
• Hexapoda
• Hemimetabolous
• Holometabolous

Usage Notes

Pterygota includes both insects that have developed wings and some that have secondarily lost them.