[pli-kop-ter-uh
n] 
| 1. | Also, ple⋅cop⋅ter⋅ous. belonging or pertaining to the insect order Plecoptera, comprising the stoneflies. |
| 2. | a plecopteran insect; stonefly. |
| ple·cop·ter·an (plĭ-kŏp'tər-ən) n. See stonefly. [From New Latin Plecoptera, order name : Greek plekein, to plait, twist; see plek- in Indo-European roots + Greek pteron, wing; see pet- in Indo-European roots.] ple·cop'ter·an adj. |
| stone·fly (stōn'flī') n. Any of numerous weak-flying insects of the order Plecoptera, whose flat, elongated nymphs live under stones along the banks of streams. Adult and larval stoneflies are used as fishing bait. Also called plecopteran. |
| plecopteran (plĭ-kŏp'tər-ən) Pronunciation Key
Any of various insects of the order Plecoptera, having two pairs of large wings, long antennae, and chewing mouthparts. Plecopterans cannot fly well, and generally have dull coloring that allows them to blend in with their surroundings. Plecopteran nymphs can live up to four years before turning into adults. The stoneflies are plecopterans. |