Comstock's mealybug

9.7

A small insect that damages fruit trees like citrus and apple

noun

Specialized

: cochinilla de Comstock

The Comstock's mealybug is a serious pest for citrus growers.

Examples

Researchers developed new methods to control Comstock's mealybug on apple trees.
Quarantine measures were put in place to stop Comstock's mealybug from spreading.
Farmers are concerned about the spread of Comstock's mealybug in citrus orchards.
Farmers in California are struggling with Comstock's mealybugs this season.
Farmers are concerned about the spread of Comstock's mealybug in citrus orchards.
Quarantine measures were put in place to stop Comstock's mealybug from spreading.
Researchers developed new methods to control Comstock's mealybug on apple trees.

Synonyms

Comstock mealybug

vsComstock's mealybug

Specialized

9.7

A small white insect that feeds on the sap of citrus and apple trees and damages them

uses the possessive common name form instead

Pseudococcus comstocki

vsComstock's mealybug

Specialized

9.9

A small Asian insect that damages citrus and apple trees

uses the common English name instead of the Latin species name

Surface Forms

Comstock's mealybug singular

Comstock's mealybugs plural

Morphology

Comstock's + mealybug

The noun 'mealybug' clearly signals to a B1 learner that this is an insect that feeds on plant sap, so they would understand it refers to a particular kind of mealybug. However, 'Comstock's' is a proper-name modifier and does not transparently convey the specific species identity, origin, or pest behavior (Asiatic introduction, pest on citrus and apple), so the full, specific meaning cannot be derived from the parts alone.

Etymology

The name Comstock's mealybug comes from the scientist Comstock who first described the insect, and mealybug refers to its white, powdery look, like a dusting of flour. So the name means 'a small white insect that damages fruit trees'.