Glossary

• Abdomen – Third major division of the insect body, generally containing reproductive and digestive organs

• Cerci (singular: cercus) – Paired appendages at the tip of the abdomen of some insects

• Deciduous – Falling off or detaching at maturity

• Femora (singular: femur) – Third leg segments of insects with articulated legs

• Filaments – Slender threads

• Forceps – Hook or pincer-like appendages on the abdomen

• Mandibles – Chewing and biting jaws of an insect

• Mesothorax – Middle segment of the thorax

• Order – One of the primary classification levels of organisms

• Ovipositor – Female egg-laying organ

• Palps (plural: palpi) – Appendages around the mouthparts which form part of the sensory and feeding organs

• Proboscis – Modified extended mouthparts, mostly used for taking in liquid food

• Prothorax – Front segment of the thorax

• Rostrum – Beak-like sucking mouthparts

• Thorax – Middle division of the body, usually bearing the legs and wings (when present)