imago

Classification · Pronunciation · Explanation of Names · Identification · See Also · Print References · Internet References · Works Cited

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

No Taxon (Glossary --use Taxonomy, then Info tabs to view entries)

From Latin imago meaning image or likeness.

Identification

imago noun, plural imagines or imagos - the adult, sexual stage (also called the "perfect stage") of an insect, especially one with complete metamorphosis. Typically, the imago is the only stage with fully functional wings, if present at any stage of the insect life-cycle.

Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) have a winged stage just before the adult, the subimago. The final, sexually mature, stage is called an imago, even though mayflies are hemimetabolous (undergoing incomplete metamorphosis).

See Also

egg (embryo)

larva

pupa

imago, subimago

Print References

Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 467 (1)

Internet References

Jardine's Dictionary of Entomology

Wikipedia: Imago

Wiktionary: Imago

Works Cited

1.	A Dictionary of Entomology By George Gordh, David H. Headrick

Contributed by Cotinis on 24 May, 2007 - 8:58pm
Last updated 3 October, 2007 - 10:40am

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2008 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by Iowa State University Entomology.

Printer Friendly Version