pine leaf aphid
- noun
- /paɪn liːf ˈeɪfɪd/
- Specialized
- A heavy infestation of pine leaf aphid can cause the needles on young pines to yellow and fall.
Examples
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Foresters are concerned about the spread of pine leaf aphid in commercial tree plantations.
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The pine leaf aphid is a common pest in pine forests.
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Scientists are studying how climate change affects the population of the pine leaf aphid.
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Many gardeners struggle with pine leaf aphids on their trees.
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A heavy infestation of pine leaf aphid can cause the needles on young pines to yellow and fall.
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Foresters are concerned about the spread of pine leaf aphid in commercial tree plantations.
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Many gardeners struggle with pine leaf aphid infestations on their trees.
Synonyms
A small insect that eats needles of pine and spruce trees and makes plant growths
An insect that eats the needles of spruce and pine trees
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'aphid' (an insect) modified by 'pine leaf' indicates an aphid that lives on or feeds from the leaves/needles of pine trees. A B1 learner who knows 'pine', 'leaf', and 'aphid' can infer it is an insect pest associated with pine foliage, so the phrase is immediately understandable.
Etymology
Pine leaf aphid paints a simple picture: a small aphid sitting on the pine tree's leaf, called a needle, and sucking the tree's 'sap'. So, the name means a little insect that feeds on pine needles and can make them yellow and fall.