mature insect crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for the definitive solution to the clue "mature insect" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate answers along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "mature insect crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
IMAGO: The biological term for the final, adult, sexually mature stage of an insect, especially one that undergoes complete metamorphosis.
ADULT: A general term referring to a fully grown or mature organism, which can certainly apply to an insect.
More About "mature insect crossword"
The clue "mature insect" often points towards a specific biological term that many crossword solvers might not immediately recognize: IMAGO. This term is derived from Latin and is crucial in the study of entomology, referring to the stage where an insect has completed its metamorphosis (if it undergoes one) and reached its reproductive, adult form. Examples include the winged butterfly emerging from a chrysalis or a beetle after its pupal stage.
While ADULT is a perfectly valid and more general answer, the charm of crosswords often lies in finding the most precise and sometimes obscure term. The use of 'imago' in a crossword distinguishes it from a simple 'adult animal' clue, testing a solver's knowledge of scientific vocabulary. It highlights the fascinating life cycles insects undergo, from egg to larva to pupa (in complete metamorphosis) and finally to the imago stage.
Understanding these biological nuances can significantly improve your ability to tackle similar clues in future puzzles, transforming what might seem like a tricky clue into a satisfying solve. Always consider if there's a more technical or specific term when a general one seems too obvious for the difficulty level of the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Biologically: When clues involve animals, plants, or natural phenomena, consider if there's a specific scientific or Latin-derived term that fits. Crossword setters love these!
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters in your proposed answer against the grid. This is your primary validation tool.
- Context is Key: Look at surrounding clues and letters already filled in. They can provide crucial hints or confirm parts of your answer.
- Consider Synonyms and Specificity: If a general answer (like ADULT) fits, but the clue feels like it's asking for more, explore more specific or technical synonyms (like IMAGO).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an "imago" in the context of insects?
An "imago" is the final, adult, and sexually mature stage of an insect's development. It's the form capable of reproduction, often characterized by wings in species that possess them, having emerged from a preceding larval and pupal stage (in complete metamorphosis).
Why is 'mature insect' a common crossword clue?
It's a popular clue because 'imago' is a precise biological term that isn't part of everyday vocabulary for most people, making it a good test of a solver's knowledge. It allows setters to use a specific, less obvious answer than 'adult' for the same concept.
Are all insects called an 'imago' at their mature stage?
While 'imago' specifically refers to the adult stage, it's most commonly associated with insects that undergo complete metamorphosis (like butterflies, beetles, and flies) where the adult form is distinct from the larval and pupal stages. For insects with incomplete metamorphosis (like grasshoppers), the adult stage is still their 'mature insect' form, but the term 'imago' is used less frequently to describe them.