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Glite Dictionary
Entomophthora

Entomophthora

9.9
A fungus that infects and often kills insects
  • noun
  • /ˌɛntəˈmɒfθərə/
  • Specialized
: Entomophthora
  • The fungus Entomophthora infects flies and other insects, often resulting in their death.

Examples

  • Researchers study Entomophthora as a potential biological control for pest insects.

  • During the late summer, outbreaks of Entomophthora can decimate local insect populations.

  • The Entomophthora species infects many types of insects.

  • Researchers are studying Entomophthora for its potential in pest control.

  • The fungus Entomophthora is known for its ability to infect and kill various insects during outbreaks.

  • Researchers are investigating how Entomophthora can be used to manage insect pest populations.

  • In nature, Entomophthora plays a critical role in controlling the number of harmful insects.

Synonyms

cordyceps
vsEntomophthora
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A fungus that grows inside and kills insects like caterpillars

parasitizes only insects rather than other arthropods

Surface Forms

Entomophthora singular
Entomophthoras plural

Morphology

Entomophthora = entomo + phthora

The name is built from specialized Greek combining forms used in scientific nomenclature that are not productive or recognizable to general English learners, so the meaning is not transparently derivable.

Etymology

Entomophthora comes from Greek parts entomo- meaning 'insect' and -phthora meaning 'destruction'. So Entomophthora is like an 'insect destroyer', which helps you remember that these fungi attack and often kill insects.