Definition of Symphyla in English:
Symphyla
plural nounsɪmˈfʌɪləˈsimfələ
Zoology A small class of myriapod invertebrates which resemble the centipedes. They are small eyeless animals with one pair of legs per segment, typically living in soil and leaf mould.
Example sentencesExamples
- Two of them, the Symphyla and Pauropoda, consist of tiny arthropods living in leaf litter and soil; both superficially resemble centipedes.
- An excellent collection of reprints on the little-known Symphyla is also maintained.
- The Pauropoda and Symphyla are both rather obscure groups and relatively little is known about their biology and habits.
- It is tempting to interpret this structural similarity as evidence of a close evolutionary affinity between Symphyla and Insecta.
- Moulting continues throughout their life, and adult Symphyla can live for several years, undergoing more than 50 moults.
Derivatives
adjective & noun
Zoology Don't mistake symphylans for the larger centipedes, which are often beneficial predators.
Example sentencesExamples
- The seeming random changes in patterns of symphylan infestation make field studies very difficult.
- Garden symphylans are small, 12-legged insects, about 1/4 inch long, that live in the soil.
- Adult symphylans are white in color with a slender soft body about 1/8-1/4 inches in length.
- ‘It's interesting that, having built up these nice soils, that a whole different set of pest problems come in, like symphylans and vertebrates like gophers and voles,’ says Mike.
Origin
Modern Latin (plural), from sym- 'together' + Greek phulē, phulon 'tribe'.