physogastryとは 意味・読み方・使い方

語源

From physo- + Ancient Greek γαστήρ (gastḗr, “belly”) + -y.

名詞

physogastry (uncountable)

1. (entomology) An enlargement of the abdomen in certain insects, especially in termite queens.
   • 2000, Arthur V. Evans, An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles, page 64:

     One of the most bizarre modifications of the beetle abdomen is known as physogastry. Physogastry is a condition in which the abdomen is enlarged. usually through increased growth of the connective membranes, expansion of the internal fat bodies, and subsequent secondary sclerotization of the abdominal sclerites.

   • 2014, Y. Abe, Termites: Evolution, Sociality, Symbioses, Ecology, page 337:

     The development of queen physogastry is considered to mark the end of the founding stage. It is often difficult to determine the time required for a queen to become physogastric in termite colonies.

   • 2015, William Morton Wheeler, The Social Insects: Their Origin and Evolution, page 266:

     The most striking characteristic of many termitophiles is physogastry, or the excessive enlargement of the abdomen, which closely resembles that of the hosts and especially that of the old queens.

関連する語

• physogastric
• physogastrism