N B. SMITH, Sc.D.

New Brunswick, N.J. April 1906

EXPLANATORY.

Definitions of general application are as a rule given first, where
more than one is necessary; next those of limited use, and finally
the specific meaning in each order in which there is any notable
difference.

Where a word has more than one ending, the difference is given after a
hyphen which represents the stem word: e.g. ametabola -ous; the
latter in place of ametabolous, which indicates the possession of the
characters peculiar to the ametabola. Where there is an English and a
Latin ending, the former is usually given with the word and the other
is added: e.g. aequilate -us, instead of aequilatus, there being no
difference in the application. Usually the singular form of the word
is first given, and the plural ending is added; e.g.

antenna -ae,

cenchrus -ri,

desideratum -ata;

but occasionally, when the plural is more commonly used, e.g.
epimera -eron, this is reversed and the singular ending is added: when
the two are different in form, e.g. foot and feet, the words are given
separately, and so when there is a difference in the application, as in

uncus and unci.

In the definition of color terms the words in brackets [ ] refer to the
equivalent color as named on the plate, or the combination needed to
produce it.

The names in parentheses ( ) are those of the writers whose definitions
are used, or who have used the term in the sense defined. In the
terms of venation, these parentheses occur most frequently.

Most of the signs and abbreviations are those in common use

:= equal to, or the same as;

q.v. which see;

pl. plural;

abb. abbreviated.

The abbreviated names are: Comst. for Comstock; Coq. for
Coquillett; Meig. for Meigen; Nort. for Norton: O. S. for
Osten-Sacken: and Will. for Williston.

A

A: prefix, is privative; wanting or without.

Ab: off; away from.

Abbreviated: cut short; not of usual length.

Abdomen: the third or posterior division of the insect body: consists
normally of nine or ten apparent segments, but actual number is a
mooted question: bears no functional legs in the adult stage.

Abdominal: belonging or pertaining to the abdomen.

Abdominal feet: see pro-legs.

Abdominal groove: the concave lobe of the inner margin of secondaries
enveloping the abdomen beneath, in some butterflies.

Abdominal pouch: in female Parnassiids,