Leptinotarsa decemlineata
- Pronunciation
- /LEP-tin-o-TAR-sa de-SEM-lin-ee-AY-tah/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Leptinotarsa decemlineata
- Plural
- Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Definition
The scientific name for the Colorado potato beetle, a major agricultural pest.
Etymology
From Greek 'leptos', meaning 'thin', and 'notos', meaning 'back', combined with 'decem', meaning 'ten', referring to the ten black stripes on the beetle.
Example
The Leptinotarsa decemlineata is a serious threat to potato crops worldwide.
Related Terms
- Potato beetle
- Pest
- Coleoptera
Usage Notes
This species has developed resistance to many insecticides.