Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Philaenus spumarius

Philaenus spumarius

9.9
A small insect called a spittlebug that damages grasses and crops in Europe and North America
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Philaenus spumarius
  • The Philaenus spumarius can cause significant damage to turfgrass and other crops.

Examples

  • Researchers study the life cycle of Philaenus spumarius to find ways to control its spread.

  • Farmers monitor their fields for signs of Philaenus spumarius infestations each spring.

  • The Philaenus spumarius is often found in grassy areas.

  • Farmers are concerned about the Philaenus spumarius infestation.

  • Farmers monitor their fields for signs of Philaenus spumarius infestations each spring.

  • The Philaenus spumarius can cause significant damage to turfgrass and other crops.

  • Researchers study the life cycle of Philaenus spumarius to find effective control measures.

Synonyms

meadow spittlebug
vsPhilaenus spumarius
  • US
9.8

A small insect that makes frothy white masses on grass and can harm plants

is the scientific name used across regions rather than a regional common name

Surface Forms

Philaenus spumarius singular
Philaenus spumarii plural

Morphology

Philaenus + spumarius

This is a scientific Latin binomial (genus + species) rather than a compositional English phrase; its meaning (a particular spittlebug species) depends on specialized taxonomic knowledge rather than transparent combination of everyday words. The species epithet is not a normal English lexical item (and is undefined here), so a B1 learner who 'knows' the constituents would not be able to infer the MWE's specific biological meaning.

Etymology

Philaenus spumarius may come from the bug's habit of living in foam. The part spumarius comes from a word for 'foam' or 'spittle', and the image of small bugs sitting in white bubbles on plants helps explain why this name fits a species that can damage grasses and crops.