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Glite Dictionary
citrophilus mealybug

citrophilus mealybug

9.0
A small insect that eats and damages orange trees
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪtrəˌfɪləs ˈmiːliˌbʌg/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cochinilla citrófila
  • The citrophilus mealybug can cause severe damage to orange groves if left untreated.

Examples

  • Researchers found that the citrophilus mealybug multiplied rapidly in warm, humid conditions.

  • Growers monitor their citrus trees closely for signs of citrophilus mealybug infestation.

  • The citrophilus mealybug is a serious threat to citrus crops.

  • Farmers are concerned about the citrophilus mealybug infestation.

  • Growers monitor their citrus trees closely for signs of citrophilus mealybug infestation.

  • The citrophilus mealybug can cause severe damage to orange groves if left untreated.

  • Farmers are concerned about the citrophilus mealybug infestation threatening their crops.

Synonyms

citrophilous mealybug
vscitrophilus mealybug
  • Specialized
9.8

A small insect that feeds on the juice of orange and lemon trees and damages them

is the same in meaning but differs in spelling of its name

Surface Forms

citrophilus mealybug singular
citrophilus mealybugs plural

Morphology

citrophilus + mealybug

The second constituent 'mealybug' (an insect) is transparent, but 'citrophilus' is not a common English word and is absent from the dictionary entry; it is a specialised taxonomic/formative term (citro- ‘citrus’ + -philous ‘loving’) that a B1 learner would not reliably recognize. Because one constituent is technical and the full species name is a specialized, scientific label, the overall meaning (‘a mealybug that affects citrus’) is not predictable for a typical B1 learner who only knows ordinary word meanings.

Etymology

Citrophilus mealybug comes from word parts citro which means 'citrus' and philous which means 'loving', plus mealybug for a small white insect that feeds on plants. So the name literally describes a little mealybug that likes citrus trees, which is why it refers to a pest of orange and lemon groves.