Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

dealate

verb

/ˈdiːəleɪt/

Definition

To lose wings, especially in reference to winged insects after reproduction.

Examples

After the nuptial flight, the queen will dealate and begin her new colony.
Once the males were no longer needed, they were left to die after the females dealate.
Many species of wasps will dealate before starting their nest.

Meaning

The term describes the process by which certain insects, such as ants or termites, shed their wings after mating and no longer require them for flight.