PARAGLOSSA Meaning and
Definition
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Paraglossa is a term used in the field of entomology to describe a specific anatomical structure found in certain insects. It refers to a pair of small, elongated lobes located on the ventral surface of the insect's mouthparts, situated between the labial palps and the maxillae. In simpler terms, paraglossa can be thought of as "secondary tongues" that aid in the manipulation of food during feeding.
These lobes are typically thin and flexible, and they are covered with tiny hairs or bristles that help the insect to handle and process its food. Paraglossa can vary in length and shape depending on the species and nature of the insect, allowing for adaptations to different feeding habits and ecological niches.
The function of paraglossa is to help insects with their feeding behavior, especially during tasks such as grooming, sensing, and capturing prey. They assist in the transportation of food from the mouth into the insect's digestive system. By manipulating and guiding food particles, paraglossa contribute to the overall efficiency of the feeding process.
Paraglossa can be found in a wide range of insect groups, including beetles, butterflies, flies, and bees. Their presence and specific characteristics can be valuable in distinguishing between related species or determining an insect's ecological role within a particular habitat. As a result, studying paraglossa is of significance in the field of entomology for understanding insect anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary relationships.
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Enlargement of the tongue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PARAGLOSSA
- paraglosse
- oaraglossa
- laraglossa
- -araglossa
- 0araglossa
- pzraglossa
- psraglossa
- pwraglossa
- pqraglossa
- paeaglossa
- padaglossa
- pafaglossa
- pataglossa
- pa5aglossa
- pa4aglossa
- parzglossa
- parsglossa
- parwglossa
- parqglossa
- paraflossa
Etymology of PARAGLOSSA
The word "Paraglossa" is derived from the combination of the Greek prefix "para-" meaning "beside" or "parallel" and the Greek word "glossa" meaning "tongue". In the context of zoology, paraglossa refers to a small projection or appendage near the base of the tongue in certain insects, such as bees.
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