Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris How can you tell a bug from a beetle? | ENTOMOLOGY ETYMOLOGY
Jun 4, 2025
Dive into the captivating world of insects as playful banter unveils the meaning behind words like 'bug' and 'beetle.' Discover why spiders spin 'cobwebs' and whether butterflies were ever called 'flutterbys.' Enjoy humorous stories about wasps crashing a football game, and explore the delightful etymology of intriguing insects. From the love for beneficial critters like spiders to the quirky names of locusts and cicadas, this lively conversation connects language and nature in ways you'll find utterly fascinating!
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Entomology and Insects Meaning
- Entomology means the study of "cut up" things, referring to segmented body parts.
- "Insect" literally means "cut into pieces," highlighting the three-segment structure.
Jess's Velvet Ant Encounter
- Jess once handled a velvet ant, a wingless wasp with a powerful sting.
- Thankfully, it did not sting her despite climbing all over her arms.
True Bugs Defined Scientifically
- Only insects of the order Hemiptera are true bugs, scientifically.
- True bugs have piercing mouthparts and undergo incomplete metamorphosis, unlike beetles.
