Cercopidae

Pronunciation
/SER-koh-PID-ee/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Cercopid
Plural
Cercopidae

Definition

A family of insects in the order Hemiptera, known as the 'spittlebugs'. They are characterized by their distinctive foam-like excretions, which they produce from their bodies for protection and moisture retention.

Etymology

From Greek 'keras', meaning 'horn', and 'pidas', meaning 'to secrete'.

Example

Cercopidae are often found in gardens and agricultural fields, where they feed on plant sap.

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