Supernumerary
- Pronunciation
- /su-per-NUM-er-ary/
- Category
- Development
- Singular
- Supernumerary
- Plural
- Supernumeraries
Definition
The occurrence of extra instars (more than the normal) in immature stages of insects. Also refers to the occurrence of extra or added structures on an insect.
Etymology
From Latin 'super-', meaning 'above' or 'in addition', and 'numerarius', meaning 'number'.
Example
The supernumerary instar allows some insects to develop larger body sizes.