noun
- Either of a pair of small, scale-like structures at the base of the wings in certain insects, especially flies and bees.
Usage: entomology; technical
Examples
- The calypter of the fly helps protect the wing base during flight.
- Entomologists examine the calypters to classify different fly species.
- The calypter is a small but important anatomical feature in dipteran insects.
- Under magnification, the calypter appears as a delicate, membranous flap.