subimago
nounEtymology From sub- + imago, after German Subimago.
1
Biology, Natural sciences, Zoology A stage in the development of certain insects, intermediate between pupa and imago, during which the insect can fly but must shed a skin before becoming mature.
- Subimago, Fem.—Dull piceous: antennæ black: abdomen more than twice the length of the thorax: setæ brownish testaceous, mutilated: legs dull testaceous; fore-legs brown: wings gray; veins black, not strongly marked.1853, Francis Walker, Catalogue of the Specimens of Neuropterous Insects in the Collection of the British Museum, page 538:
- The subimago (a winged, but usually sexually immature stage) in the life cycle of mayflies is unique among living insect orders. The Ephemeroptera have two winged-instars, the subimago and the adult (or imago).1996, Richard W. Merritt, An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America, page 126:
2 more examples
- Subimagos emerge at the surface, fly to a support, molt immediately to the adult stage, live only a few hours, swarm, and mate shortly after ecdysis.2009, James H. Thorp, Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates:
- Subimagines flutter away immediately and rest at protected sites near the stream for up to 2-3 days, until the molt to the very short-lived adult occurs.2011, Rüdiger Wagner, Central European Stream Ecosystems: The Long Term Study of the Breitenbach:
- Synonyms
- pseudimago, dun