subimago

Definitions

A stage in the development of certain insects, intermediate between pupa and imago, during which the insect can fly but must shed a skin before becoming mature.

Equivalents

Examples

“Subimago, Fem.—Dull piceous: antennæ black: abdomen more than twice the length of the thorax: setæ brownish testaceous, mutilated: legs dull testaceous; fore-legs brown: wings gray; veins black, not strongly marked.”

“The subimago (a winged, but usually sexually immature stage⟳) in the life cycle of mayflies is unique among living insect orders. The Ephemeroptera have⟳ two winged-instars, the subimago and the adult (or imago).”

“Subimagos emerge⟳ at the surface, fly⟳ to a support⟳, molt immediately to the adult stage⟳, live⟳ only a few hours, swarm, and mate shortly after ecdysis.”

“Subimagines flutter away immediately and rest⟳ at protected sites near the stream for up to 2-3 days, until the molt to the very short-lived adult occurs.”

CEFR level