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Glite Dictionary
Philaenus

Philaenus

9.9
A small jumping insect that lives on plants and makes foam nests
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : philaenus
  • Many species of Philaenus can produce spittle.

Examples

  • The most widespread species in the genus Philaenus is Philaenus spumarius, known for creating foam nests.

  • Researchers collected several Philaenus specimens from fields in southern Europe.

  • Philaenus insects play a role in the spread of plant pathogens like Xylella fastidiosa.

  • The Philaenus is often found in gardens.

  • Researchers collected several Philaenus specimens from fields in southern Europe.

  • The most widespread species in the genus Philaenus is Philaenus spumarius, known for creating foam nests.

  • Many species of Philaenus can produce spittle.

Synonyms

froghopper
vsPhilaenus
  • UK
8.7

A small insect that jumps high and whose young make white foam on plants

is the scientific genus within the family rather than the general common name
spittle insect
vsPhilaenus
9.6

A small jumping insect that lives in frothy bubbles on plant stems to protect its young

focuses on the genus identity rather than the habit of living in froth

Compounds

Philaenus spumarius
  • Specialized
9.9

A small insect called a spittlebug that damages grasses and crops in Europe and North America

Surface Forms

Philaenus singular
Philaeni plural

Etymology

Philaenus is a scientific name for a group of small insects called froghoppers or spittlebugs. A helpful way to remember it is to see the start phil- as the Greek root for 'love', the same root in philosophy, so imagine these bugs as 'plant-lovers' that live on plants and can sometimes spread plant disease.