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Glite Dictionary
Phthorimaea operculella

Phthorimaea operculella

9.9
A small moth whose caterpillars eat and damage potatoes and other plants
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Phthorimaea operculella
  • The larva of Phthorimaea operculella is a major pest in potato fields worldwide.

Examples

  • Farmers use pheromone traps to monitor populations of Phthorimaea operculella.

  • Infestations of Phthorimaea operculella can cause significant losses in potato storage facilities.

  • The Phthorimaea operculella is known for damaging potato crops.

  • Farmers are worried about the Phthorimaea operculella infestation this season.

  • Farmers use pheromone traps to monitor populations of Phthorimaea operculella, as these pests damage potato crops.

  • Infestations of Phthorimaea operculella can lead to substantial losses for farmers during the potato harvest season.

  • The larvae of Phthorimaea operculella feed on potato tubers, making them a significant threat to potato production.

Synonyms

splitworm
vsPhthorimaea operculella
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A grey brown moth whose caterpillars tunnel into and damage potatoes

covers the same pests but extends to harming additional plant hosts
potato tuber moth
vsPhthorimaea operculella
  • Specialized
8.2

A small grey-brown insect whose caterpillars eat and damage potato crops

also harms potatoes plus other plant species beyond just crops
potato moth
vsPhthorimaea operculella
  • Specialized
5.9

A small greyish-brown moth whose caterpillar eats and damages potatoes

is broader, causing damage to potatoes and to other plants too

Surface Forms

Phthorimaea operculella singular
Phthorimaea operculellas plural

Morphology

Phthorimaea + operculella

This is a Latin binomial (a scientific species name) rather than a compositional English phrase; its specific meaning as a potato-damaging moth cannot be derived from the parts, and one constituent ('operculella') is not an English word. Proper names and taxonomic labels are unpredictable for B1 learners even if they recognize a 'moth' element, so the overall meaning is not transparently recoverable from the constituents.

Etymology

Phthorimaea operculella may come from old Greek and Latin words meaning 'destroyer' and 'small lid'. This image of a tiny 'destroyer' of potatoes helps explain why the name is used for a small moth whose young caterpillars eat and damage potatoes.