instar¹ Definition
in·star (in′stär′)
noun
any of the various stages of an insect or other arthropod between molts
Etymology: ModL < L, a shape, form < instare: see instant
instar² Definition
in·star (in stär′)
transitive verb -·starred′, -·star′·ring
- to stud or adorn as with stars
- to place as a star
instar Usage Examples
Adjective modifier
- larval: There are usually 7 to 8 larval instars, but the number may vary from 5 to 16.
- final: Once in the final instar, I was able to use the caterpillars guide by Jim Porter to identify them.
- first: When they hatch the first instar of the larval stage is very small and makes tiny holes in the leaf.
- early: The upper image is of an early instar - probably stage 2. The search for food causes the family group to disperse.
- 5th: The 5th larval instar, is followed by the winged imago stage which are 3mm long and brown-black in color.
- second: The five young animals molted to second instar within a few weeks.
Modifies a noun
- larva: These first instar larvae look similar regardless of which species they belong to.
- nymph: Early instar nymphs have a pale area centrally on the dorsal thorax.
- s: It goes through a series of stages or instar s, shedding layers of skin to accommodate its ever increasing size.
- stage: The age structure of the populations is also noted by comparing the proportion of the different instar stages.
- caterpillar: There is an easy exit for the tiny first instar caterpillar to escape from the confines of its egg.
Browse dictionary entries near instar
- ‹ instantly
- ‹ instantiate
- ‹ instanter
- ‹ instantaneously
- ‹ instantaneous
- ‹ instant replay
- ‹ Instant Messaging and Presence Protocol
- ‹ Instant Messaging and Presence
- ‹ instant messaging
- ‹ instant
- instate ›
- instauration ›
- instead ›
- instead of ›
- instep ›
- instigate ›
- instigation ›
- instill ›
- instinct ›
- instinctive ›

