psyllid

Thân thiện

A tiny psyllid leaps from one green leaf to another.

Definition

Noun: A psyllid is a very small, active insect that resembles a cicada. It has powerful hind legs that are specially adapted for jumping. Psyllids feed by sucking the juices from plants.

Examples

• The citrus trees were infested with psyllids, which were damaging the leaves.
• Gardeners monitor for psyllids because they can spread disease to crops.
• Under a microscope, you can see the psyllid's specialized mouthparts used for feeding.

Advanced Usage

• As a collective noun: The word "psyllid" can refer to any member of the insect family Psyllidae, which contains many species.
  • The researcher studied the behavior of the pear psyllid.

Variants and Related Words

• Jumping plant louse: This is a common alternative name for a psyllid, describing its behavior (jumping) and its plant-feeding habit.
• Psyllidae: (noun) The scientific family name to which all psyllids belong.

Synonyms

• Jumping plant louse

Notes on Meaning

The term psyllid refers specifically to this type of jumping, sap-sucking insect. It is not a general term for all small jumping insects or for cicadas. Its primary defining characteristics are its small size, jumping ability, and its diet of plant sap.

Học thuật

Noun

1. small active cicada-like insect with hind legs adapted for leaping; feeds on plant juices

Từ đồng nghĩa

• jumping plant louse
• psylla