Malacosoma
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A genus of moths: Malacosoma is the scientific genus name for a group of moths commonly known as tent caterpillars. The larvae (caterpillars) of these moths are noted for building silken tents or webs in the branches of trees.
Usage
The word Malacosoma is used almost exclusively in scientific or entomological contexts to refer to this specific genus. - The forest infestation was caused by Malacosoma. - Researchers studied the life cycle of Malacosoma disstria, the forest tent caterpillar.
Advanced Usage
- In binomial nomenclature: The word is capitalized and italicized when used as a genus name in the formal scientific naming system.
- Malacosoma americanum is the eastern tent caterpillar.
Variants and Related Words
- tent caterpillar (n): The common name for the larval stage of moths in the genus .
- The tent caterpillar is a defoliator of many hardwood trees.
- Lasiocampidae (n): The family of moths to which the genus belongs.
Synonyms
- tent caterpillar moth (n): A common name referring to the adult moth of this genus.
Noun
- tent caterpillars