Pestsense Glossary of Terms

These are terms you may encounter within Pestsense Fact Sheets or in definitions of other terms. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Term	Definition
Ametaboly	No significant change in form, seen in primitive insects like silverfish.
Anobiids	Beetles of the family Anobiidae, including species like deathwatch beetles, known for their ability to bore into wood and cause structural damage.
Apex	The highest or most pointed part of something, such as the tip of a structure, peak of a mountain, or top of a hierarchy.
Apis melifera	Domesticated honey bee brought to North America by European settlers.
Arthropods	Invertebrate animals belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, including insects, spiders, crustaceans, centipedes, and millipedes. They are characterized by their segmented bodies, jointed appendages, and exoskeletons made of chitin.
bacteria	plural of bacterium, a unicellular microscopic organism that lacks chlorophyll and multiples by fission.
bacterial	adj. anything related to or caused by bacteria.
bacterium	a unicellular microscopic organism that lacks chlorophyll and multiples by fission.
Basal parts	The lower or foundational sections of a structure, often referring to the base of an organism or anatomical feature, opposite the apex.
Carabids	A family of predatory ground beetles (Carabidae) known for their fast-running behavior and ability to hunt other insects. They are often found under rocks, logs, or plant debris
Carrion	The decaying flesh of dead animals, often consumed by scavengers like vultures, beetles, and other decomposers.
Caterpillar	in general, the larvae of Lepidoptera; in Hymenoptera, the larva of the saw-flies.
Cellulose	A polysaccharide forming the primary structural component of plant cell walls. It provides strength and rigidity to plants and is also used in industries like paper production, textiles, and biofuels.
Chitin	A fibrous polysaccharide that forms the exoskeletons of arthropods (like insects and crustaceans) and the cell walls of fungi. It provides structural support and protection, similar to cellulose in plants.
Chrysalis	Pupal stage of a butterfly, during which it undergoes metamorphosis to transform from a caterpillar into an adult butterfly. Unlike moths, which spin cocoons, butterflies form a hard, protective casing around themselves by shedding their larval skin. The chrysalis is often attached to a branch or other surface and remains motionless while internal changes occur
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)	A phenomenon where most worker bees in a honey bee colony disappear, leaving behind the queen, food stores, and a few nurse bees. The exact cause is unknown, but factors like pesticides, parasites, disease, and environmental stress are suspected
Crustaceans	A diverse group of arthropods belonging to the subphylum Crustacea, including crabs, lobsters, shrimp, barnacles, and copepods. They are primarily aquatic, have exoskeletons made of chitin, and possess two pairs of antennae
Detritivorous	Organisms that feed on decomposing organic matter, such as dead plants and animals.
Diplopoda	A class of arthropods that includes millipedes. They are characterized by having two pairs of legs per body segment, a rounded body shape, and a detritivorous diet, feeding on decaying plant matter. Millipedes play an important role in ecosystems by breaking down organic material.
Dipterans	Insects belonging to the order Diptera, commonly known as true flies. They are characterized by having only one pair of functional wings, while the second pair is reduced to halteres, which aid in balance during flight. This diverse group includes species like mosquitoes, houseflies, and midges, many of which play ecological roles as pollinators, decomposers, or disease vectors.
Diurnal	Active during the day
Ecdysone	A steroidal prohormone that plays a crucial role in insect molting and metamorphosis. It is secreted by the prothoracic glands and converted into 20-hydroxyecdysone, the active form that triggers molting. The key functions are: 1.) Molting Hormone: Regulates the shedding of the exoskeleton in arthropods. 2.) Gene Activation: Stimulates the expression of genes necessary for development. 3.) Neural Development: Recent studies suggest it influences neural stem cell transitions in fruit flies. 4.) Plant Defense: Some plants produce phytoecdysteroids as a defense mechanism against herbivorous insects.
Ectoparasites	Parasites that live on the exterior of their host, such as fleas, ticks, and lice
Elytra	The hardened forewings of beetles and some other insects, serving as protective wing covers for the delicate hindwings used in flight. These coverings are often marked with grooved lines or with rows of punctate dots.
Frass	Feces
Fungal	referring to a group of saprophytic and/or parasitic organisms that lack chlorophyll and conductive tissues, and often produce spores. Includes molds, rusts, mushrooms, smuts, mildews, and yeasts.
Fungi	saprophytic and/or parasitic organisms that lack chlorophyll and conductive tissues, and often produce spores. Includes molds, rusts, mushrooms, smuts, mildews, and yeasts.
Fungus	a saprophytic and/or parasitic organism that lacks chlorophyll and conductive tissues, and often produces spores. Includes molds, rusts, mushrooms, smuts, mildews, and yeasts.
Habitat	The natural environment where an organism lives and thrives, providing essential resources like food, water, shelter, and space.
Halteres	Small, club-shaped organs found in true flies (Diptera) that evolved from their hind wings. These structures vibrate during flight and act as gyroscopic sensors, helping flies maintain balance and stability in the air
Hemimetaboly	Incomplete Metamorphosis – Gradual changes through nymph stages, as seen in grasshoppers and dragonflies.
Holometaboly	Complete Metamorphosis – A distinct transformation from larva to adult via a pupal stage, as seen in butterflies and beetles.
Honeydew	A sweet, sticky substance excreted by aphids and other sap-feeding insects, often accumulating on leaves and stems. It can attract ants and promote the growth of black sooty mold, which, while not harmful to plants, can be unsightly
Instar	Developmental phases of nymphs, before reaching adulthood. The number of instars varies depending on the species.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)	An environmentally sensitive approach to controlling pests that does not rely totally on pesticides. IPM depends on frequent monitoring of plants or structures and the accurate diagnosis of the pests so that control strategies are used only when and where needed. A variety of control methods–cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical–may be employed. IPM takes a look at the entire system and thus monitors the entire system, not singling out only one pest problem.
Larva	a young insect which quits the egg in an early stage of morphological development and differs fundamentally in form from the adult; in a strict zoological sense, the immature form of animals which undergo complete metamorphosis.
Larvae	a young insect which quits the egg in an early stage of morphological development and differs fundamentally in form from the adult; in a strict zoological sense, the immature form of animals which undergo complete metamorphosis.
Larval	a young insect which quits the egg in an early stage of morphological development and differs fundamentally in form from the adult; in a strict zoological sense, the immature form of animals which undergo complete metamorphosis.
Lepidoptera	An order of insects that includes butterflies, moths, and skippers. With around 180,000 species, it is one of the largest insect orders. The name "Lepidoptera" comes from Greek, meaning "scaly wings," referring to the tiny scales that cover their wings. These insects undergo complete metamorphosis, transitioning through four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult (imago).
Lyctids	Beetles of the family Lyctidae, commonly known as powderpost beetles, which infest and feed on hardwoods, causing structural damage
maggot	the legless larva of Diptera.
Metamorphosis	A biological process in which an organism undergoes a dramatic transformation in body structure, often accompanied by changes in behavior and habitat. This process is common in insects and is controlled by hormones such as ecdysone, which triggers molting, and juvenile hormone, which regulates the transition between life stages. There are three main types of metamorphosis: Ametaboly, Hemimetaboly, Holometaboly.
Nectar	A sugary liquid produced by flowers to attract pollinators, serving as an energy-rich food source for insects and birds.
Nocturnal	Active at night
Nymph	An immature stage of certain insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis, resembling the adult but lacking fully developed wings. The nymph stage itself can have multiple instars depending on the species.
Parasite	An organism that lives in another (the host) without killing it.
Pest	Any insect, animal, or organism that feeds on or damages plants, reducing crop yields, stunting growth, or causing plant death. Common garden pests include aphids, caterpillars, and rodents as well as invasive weeds that outcompete desirable plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
Pesticide	A substance or mixture used to prevent, destroy, repel, or control pests, including insects, weeds, fungi, and rodents, to protect crops and environments.
Pheromones	Chemical substances released by animals or insects to communicate with others of their species, influencing behaviors like mating, territory marking, or alarm signaling
Pollen	A fine powder containing male reproductive cells of flowering plants, essential for fertilization and seed production.
Polysaccharide	A large carbohydrate molecule composed of multiple monosaccharide units linked together. These can serve as energy storage (like starch and glycogen) or structural support (like cellulose and chitin) in living organisms.
Predaceious	Living by preying on other organisms, typically referring to animals or insects that hunt and consume other creatures for food.
prothorax	The anterior segment of an insect’s thorax, located just behind the head. It does not bear wings but often has distinguishing features, such as the saw-like teeth found on certain beetles.
Psocids	Small insects, often called booklice or barklice, that feed on fungi, pollen, and organic debris. Some species can infest stored food or book bindings, while others are beneficial scavengers in nature
Psychodidae	Commonly known as bagworm moths, are a family of moths within the order Lepidoptera. Their larvae are known for constructing protective cases out of silk and environmental materials like sand, soil, lichen, or plant debris. These cases serve as mobile shelters during their larval stage and are often attached to trees, rocks, or fences when they pupate. adult females of many species lack wings and remain inside their cases, making them difficult to identify. While most bagworm moths are harmless, some species can become pests, causing damage to trees and crops.
Pupa	The resting inactive instar in all holometabolous insects; the intermediate stage between the larva and the adult; applied to all insect orders with complete metamorphosis.
Pupate	The resting inactive instar in all holometabolous insects; the intermediate stage between the larva and the adult; applied to all insect orders with complete metamorphosis.
Pupate	The process in which an insect larva transforms into a pupa, undergoing metamorphosis before emerging as an adult.
Rust	a disease giving a "rusty" appearance to a plant and caused by one of the rust fungi.
Scale insects	The name "scale insects" comes from the protective waxy or hard covering that adult females develop, which resembles scales on plants. This covering shields them from predators and environmental threats. The term "scale" is derived from their flattened, shield-like appearance, which can vary in texture and shape depending on the specie
Scavengers	Organisms that consume dead or decaying material, including animals that feed on carrion (like vultures) and insects that break down organic matter (like rove beetles).
Smut	a disease caused by the smut fungi, characterized by masses of dark, powdery spores.
Solenobia walshella	Also known as the cigar case bagworm, this species belongs to the Psychidae family of moths. Its larvae construct protective cases from plant debris or sand. These bagworms can be a nuisance on home exteriors, often crawling up walls and eaves and remaining stationary. They are suspected of feeding on lichens or algae found on surfaces like bark, fence posts, and home siding.
Stippling	T he appearance of tiny white or yellow green spots on leaves resulting from mite, leafhopper, etc. feeding.
Symbiotic organism	An organism that engages in a close, long-term interaction with another species, which can be mutualistic (beneficial to both), commensal (beneficial to one, neutral to the other), or parasitic (harmful to one).
Symptoms	The external and internal reactions or alterations of a plant as a result of a disease, insect, or mite.
Tyroglyphidae	A family of mites that infest stored foods, organic debris, and moldy materials. Some species can become pantry pests, while others feed on decaying matter in animal nests or barn