genus Leptinotarsa
- noun
- /ˈdʒɛnəs lɛpˈtɪnəˌtɑrsə/
- Specialized
- The most well-known member of the genus Leptinotarsa is the Colorado potato beetle, which feeds on potato plants.
Examples
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The genus Leptinotarsa contains several species that are significant agricultural pests.
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Farmers often struggle with the genus Leptinotarsa in their fields.
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Researchers found that beetles from the genus Leptinotarsa have developed resistance to common insecticides.
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The genus Leptinotarsa includes several species of beetles.
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The genus Leptinotarsa includes the infamous Colorado potato beetle, a major pest in agriculture.
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Agricultural scientists study the genus Leptinotarsa for insights into pest management.
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Many crops are threatened by species within the genus Leptinotarsa, which are known for their destructive feeding habits.
Synonyms
A group of beetles that includes the Colorado potato beetle
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is fully compositional: 'genus' names the taxonomic rank and 'Leptinotarsa' is the proper name of that genus, so a learner who knows both constituents will understand it refers to the taxonomic group of beetles called Leptinotarsa. This genus + name pattern is standard in scientific nomenclature and is cross-linguistically common, making the meaning readily derivable.
Etymology
Genus Leptinotarsa may come from two Greek words, leptos and noton, meaning 'thin' and 'back', giving the picture of a small beetle with a narrow body. It is the scientific name for a group of beetles, including the Colorado potato beetle, so that image helps you remember which beetles the name refers to.