Cryptolaemus

noun

Cryp·​to·​lae·​mus
ˌkriptəˈlēməs
: a genus of small predacious coccinellid beetles including an Australian species (C. montrouzieri) that has been widely introduced to control mealybug infestations on citrus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from crypt- + -laemus (from Greek laimos throat, gullet)

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Cite this Entry

“Cryptolaemus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cryptolaemus. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

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