Troglodyte
Calling someone a troglodyte is abusive, but it’s not an insult that’s commonly used in the twenty-first century. There are other, far more stinging labels.
A troglodyte is a person who lives in a cave, the word primarily referring to prehistoric cave dwellers. It comes from the Greek trōglē (hole) and dyein (to enter)
In biology, the prefix troglo indicates how much a creature depends on caves. For example, bats and some insects can be described as ‘troglophiles,’ meaning that although they appreciate the shelter caves may afford, they can live outside them.
On the other hand, a ‘troglobite’ is an organism that is adapted to and dependent on caves, like the blind cave fish or cave salamander. Troglobites often have pale skin, poor or no eyesight, a slower metabolism, and heightened senses of touch, smell, or vibration awareness.
The troglodyte I heard and saw in the garden this morning is more correctly Troglodytes troglodytes, the wren. It is the commonest breeding bird in the UK, but surprisingly rarely seen, at least by me! It feeds on spiders and insects, searching among leaves to find them. It can often be seen creeping mouse-like round plant pots, seeking food.
Wrens do not have huge reserves of fat and
suffer appreciably in cold weather. They huddle together for warmth, and in the
winter of 1969, 61 wrens were found in a nesting box in Norfolk.
They typically nest between March and July, and often produce two broods
per season.
How odd that the dear little wren off the farthing, is a troglodyte.
ReplyDeleteI wish we still had farthings, just for the nostalgia, and, of course, with a wren on them.
DeleteI had only a vague knowledge of troglodytes being ancient cave dwellers and had no idea about the wrens.
ReplyDeletePeople still live in caves, some of which are quite modern and sophisticated, others not so much so.
DeleteI did not know either of these words. But when's, yes, those i know. Here we have many Carolina wrens, and they are busy little bodies, not at all shy. They will fly right by your head and sit and scold you from just a few feet away. We often have a pair nesting somewhere around our front porch.
ReplyDeleteWrens are known for nesting in unusual places.
DeleteI love learning new words and you gave plenty of usage examples. I enjoyed your post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judee.
DeleteI think there was or were troglodytes in the original Star Trek series.
ReplyDeleteI just looked it up and you're right - well done! They were called Troglytes.
DeleteGuess it doesn’t say much for me that I immediately thought “troglodyte! I’ve forgotten that word. Must file it away to use as an insult!”
ReplyDeleteWhy not? It will make a change.
DeleteNow you've got me thinking . The house wren we have here has nothing to do with caves. . I will have to do some research.
ReplyDeleteThere are 96 species of wren. The one in UK is the Eurasian wren, that likes to live in cavities, but doesn't always. Confusing, eh?
DeleteAhh a bird!!!
ReplyDeleteI thought a troglodyte was one of the relatives on my husband's side.
Cheeky! 😷
DeleteOld weather?
ReplyDeleteYou'd probably like the book I am reading just now, Wonders of The Wild. The author describes various habitats around the British Isles and what lives there, plants and animals. There are so many amazing things to learn about what is right on our doorstep, and even if some of it I already knew, it is good to brush up on knowledge.
I am currently reading the chapter about the "Urban Jungle", and wrens are mentioned, too.
Thank you for pointing out 'old weather,' Meike. 😳Now corrected. Thank you for the book recommendation. It's good to refresh knowledge and learn a little more along the way,
DeleteI think we should demand a change of name for the little wren it is not fair that these little birds are given such a name. Trolls live in caves as well, as Tolkien will acknowledge. Thelmax
ReplyDeleteIt should have a light, airy name, rather than the ponderous one it's been given!
DeleteI love wrens. The way they dart about under the shrubs looking for tasty tidbits, and singing away. We always look forward to seeing them in our garden.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely!
DeleteI have heard the word but never heard anyone use it
ReplyDeleteIt's not a word that crops up in everyday conversation!
DeleteBy their name, do these wrens live in caves?
ReplyDeleteThey will nest in cavities, but also in dense shrubbery and odd things in sheds.
DeleteHouse Wren (Troglodytes aedon) is a common nesting species here, and is easily attracted to a backyard bird house.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many species of wren - 96 - but only one in UK.
ReplyDeleteWho knew there was so much to learn about troglodytes. All noted and stowed for future use
ReplyDeleteSome people still live in caves - rather smart caves, too.
DeleteI didn't know (until reading your post) that the lovely wren is a troglodyte!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
It's not a nice name for such a pretty little bird.
DeleteI've only known the insult but it's amazing how the meanings and usages of words change over time.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it's still used as an insult. My guess would be that it's not.
DeleteWe have one year round wren who is quite vocal and visible all winter. A Carolina. I am anxiously awaiting our House Wren who will take over one or 2 of our bird houses.
ReplyDeleteThe house wren is waiting for the weather to warm up!
DeleteThanks for another educational post!
ReplyDeleteThank you. 😊
DeleteHi Janice - wrens ... delightful little chaps ... and found on our farthing - back in the day ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI'd have the farthing back, just for the wren!
DeleteWrens are such tiny things aren’t they, your description of mouse like fits them perfectly.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
They suddenly catch the eye - dear little things (though not very nice to their rivals.)
DeleteWho knew? I am going to have to try and remember that cave dwelling one for one of my lesser developed friends!
ReplyDeleteTee hee!
DeleteWe see them often around here...Once again, I enjoyed this educational post about the wrens. I always appreciate you sharing your wisdom..
ReplyDeleteWe only have one wren, but I think maybe you have several.
DeleteFascinating word and fun learning of its origins.
ReplyDeleteAlways a happy day when a wren visits around here.
DeleteThey are a delight.
DeleteWe have Carolina Wrens and very occasionally Bewick's Wrens in our yard here in Southeast Texas. I love watching and listening to the Carolinas who are very active in our backyard just now. Lovely little birds!
ReplyDeleteIt's their cocked tails that I like so much.
DeleteHave you ever visited any of modern troglodyte homes in the Loire region of France?
ReplyDeleteI haven't, but a school friend many years ago told me of people she met who lived in caves in Spain. I didn't quite believe her then.
DeleteNice to learn of them
ReplyDeleteThey're fascinating little birds.
DeleteCool, thanks for the info. I love wrens; ours may differ from the UK branch.
ReplyDeleteYes, we only have one species - the Eurasian wren.
DeleteInteresting to learn where that term came from.
ReplyDeleteI thought so, too.
DeleteThere are two villages in East Yorkshire called North Cave and South Cave. I guess that the people who live there must be troglodytes. Ah well, they can't help it.
ReplyDeleteThat would be the East Riding, then.
ReplyDeleteI googled, and it says we have wrens around here, but honestly....I don't know if I would recognize them. The most common small birds that flit around here are sparrows. Very nondescript.
ReplyDeleteOur house sparrows are in decline, which is very sad.
DeleteWell, this troglodyte (in the sense of a hermit/person who lives in isolation vs. the more derogatory sense...hopefully) loves her a feathered-type troglodyte. I believe we have a few different types of wrens here although the most common, by far, is the house wren. And while they are viewed as a nuisance to many (they will build a nest wherever they can think they can - including decorative birdhouses, etc.), I love them. Well, once they give up possession of my cornzebo and I manage to clear it of their detritus. And, much as they love burrowing and caves and such, they do love to take rides on the broom of my witch weathervane on top of the cornzebo LOL.
ReplyDeleteWe can appreciate the creatures that inhabit this earth alongside us even as we deplore the problems they sometimes create. Life would be so much poorer without them, if tidier!
ReplyDelete61 in one box!!!!???
ReplyDeleteThank you for my new vocabulary of Troglodyte!
61 is pretty amazing.
ReplyDelete