The Genius Section141
WORD POWER
proboscis – A: reproduction by
laying eggs. B: ability to skate on
water. C: tubular feeding organ.
pheromone – A: Egyptian
scarab beetle. B: sticky exterior of
a chrysalis. C: chemical secretion
prompting a response from others.
entomophagy – A: practice of
eating insects. B: releasing one
species to control the population of
another. C: dye made from cochineal
bugs.
myrmecologist – A: insect-
call expert. B: mealworm glue
manufacturer. C: ant expert.
biomass – A: network of biological
interactions. B: total mass of
organisms present. C: weight a
creature can lift divided by its
own weight.
arachnophobia – A: fear of spiders.
B: fear of home infestation. C: fear of
being stung.
alate – A: covered in scales.
B: born in springtime. C: having
wings.
8. nocturnal – A: burrowing.
B: active at night. C: able to live
on water or land.
9. apiarist – A: creature capable of
camouflage. B: insect collector.
C: beekeeper.
10. larva – A: liquid secreted by
aphids as they feed. B: immature,
recently hatched form of an insect.
C: nest of rotten leaves.
11. metamorphosis – A: rapid
transformation into an adult form.
B: habit of feeding on fungi.
C: mosquito-borne malady.
12. sericulture – A: social order
organised around a queen.
B: shedding an exoskeleton.
C: silkworm farming.
13. beetling – A: scurrying like
a beetle. B: identifying beetles.
C: making beetle-like clicking
noises.
14. histamine – A: compound
released during inflammatory
reactions. B: mating season.
C: travelling in swarms.
Terms from the fascinating world of insects
A Bug’s Life
BY Linda Besner