American Serpentine Leafminer
- Pronunciation
- /uh-mare-i-kuhn sur-pen-teen leef-my-nur/
- Category
- Entomology
- Singular
- American Serpentine Leafminer
- Plural
- American Serpentine Leafminers
Definition
A species of fly (Liriomyza trifolii) that causes damage to plants by creating serpentine mines in their leaves.
Etymology
From the Latin words 'serpens' meaning 'snake' and 'mina' referring to the winding pattern of the leaf mines.
Example
The American serpentine leafminer is a major pest of crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.
Related Terms
- Liriomyza trifolii
- Leafminer
- Serpentine mine
Usage Notes
American serpentine leafminers are often difficult to control due to their cryptic nature and the fact that they can infest greenhouses.