Bacillus thuringiensis
- Pronunciation
- /buh-SIL-uhs thur-in-jee-EN-sis/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Bacillus thuringiensis
- Plural
- Bacillus thuringiensis
Definition
A bacterium that produces toxins lethal to various insect larvae, particularly those in the order Lepidoptera.
Etymology
Named after the province of Thuringia, Germany, where it was first isolated.
Example
Bacillus thuringiensis is commonly used as a biopesticide for controlling caterpillars.