| Glossary: |
|
Translation: |
| Parthenogenesis |
|
The method of reproduction whereby some species
(of phasmids in particular) lay viable ova that
have nonetheless not been fertilised. When an
insect reproduces parthenogenically, they will
only produce female young. This method of reproduction
enables the species to exist in the absence
of males |
| PSG |
|
Phasmid Study Group.
"Since its formation early in 1980,
The Phasmid Study Group has expanded to more
than 350 members in 30 countries, including
people of all ages and ranging from beginners
to professional entomologists. The purpose
of the Group is to encourage studies of all
aspects of Phasmids." |
| PSG number |
|
Currently there are 241 phasmid species cultured
by members of the PSG, and each of these has
been given a number. For a list of all species
in culture, see http://www.stickinsect.org.uk/Culture-List-1.html |
| Pedes |
|
Legs. |
| Phasmid |
|
Of the order "Phasmida" (also
known as "Phasmatodea").
Characteristics of this order include chewing
mouthparts, 6 walking legs and 3- or 5- segmented
tarsi. The body is usually long and cylindrical,
but in some species is actually wide and leaf-like.
Phasmids develop/ grow through gradual metamorphosis.
Some species are winged, most are nocturnal,
and all are phytophagous (i.e. they eat leaves).
|
| Pheromone |
|
A substance secreted to
induce a response by another memeber of the
species. Female mantids use this method to attract
a mate. |
| Posterior |
|
In or at the hind end. |
| Preopercular organ |
|
An external pouch of the
7th abdominal sternite in some female phasmids,
covered anteriorly by a sclerotic process. This
pouch is used during copulation. |
| Phylum |
|
A category used in the classification of orcanisms
that consists of one or several similar or closely
related classes. Examples of phyla are the Phodophyta,
Ascomycota, Bryophyta, Arthropoda, and Chordata.
Phyla are grouped into kimgdoms. In traditional
plant classification schemes, the division was
used instead of the phylum. |
| Phyllium |
|
Refers to the Leaf Insects. |
| Phylogenetic |
|
Based on natural evolutionary relationships.
|
| Phytophagous |
|
Eating plants only. All
phasmids are phytophaous. |
| Pronotum |
|
The dorsal surface of the first thoracic segment. |
| Prosternum |
|
The first ventral thoracic
sternite. |
| Prothorax |
|
The first segment of the thorax. |
| Proximal |
|
The part of an appendage nearest the body.
|
| Pseudocapitulum |
|
A structure produced by the evagination (saclike
structure) of the operculum surface in phasmid
eggs e.g. in Baculum species. |
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