ovipositor

[ oh-vuh-poz-i-ter ]

/ ˌoʊ vəˈpɒz ɪ tər /

(in certain female insects) an organ at the end of the abdomen, by which eggs are deposited.

a similar organ in other animals, as certain fishes.

Origin of ovipositor

First recorded in 1810–20; oviposit + -or²

The ovipositor of female has the edges quite smooth beneath.

Journals Of Two Expeditions Of Discovery In North-West And Western Australia, Vol. 2 (of 2) |George Grey
Some insects occasionally use the ovipositor merely for defense.

Agriculture for Beginners |Charles William Burkett
Episternites: the upper pair of corneous appendages forming the ovipositor in grasshoppers.

Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology |John. B. Smith
Finally, standing erect and incurvating her abdomen between her legs, she cleans it and her ovipositor with her jaws and tongue.

The Dawn of Reason |James Weir

Terebrantia: Hymenoptera with sessile abdomen and valved ovipositors: Thripids in which the ovipositor of female is borer-like.

Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology |John. B. Smith

ovipositor

/ (ˌəʊvɪˈpɒzɪtə) /

the egg-laying organ of most female insects, consisting of a pair of specialized appendages at the end of the abdomen

a similar organ in certain female fishes, formed by an extension of the edges of the genital opening

ovipositor

[ ō′və-pŏz′ĭ-tər ]

A tube in many female insects that extends from the end of the abdomen and is used to lay eggs.