plecopteran

[ pli-kop-ter-uhn ]

adjective

1. Also ple·copter·ous. belonging or pertaining to the insect order Plecoptera, comprising the stoneflies.

noun

1. a plecopteran insect; stonefly.

plecopteran

/ plĭ-kŏp′tər-ən /

1. Any of various insects of the order Plecoptera, having two pairs of large wings, long antennae, and chewing mouthparts. Plecopterans cannot fly well, and generally have dull coloring that allows them to blend in with their surroundings. Plecopteran nymphs can live up to four years before turning into adults. The stoneflies are plecopterans.

Word History and Origins

Origin of plecopteran¹

1885–90; < New Latin Plecopter ( a ) the order (< Greek plék ( ein ) to twine, twist + -o- -o- + -ptera, neuter plural of -pteros -pterous ) + -an; so named in reference to the reticulated wings, which twist back upon themselves when the insect is resting