Milky disease
- Pronunciation
- /MIL-kee di-ZEEZ/
- Category
- Pathology
- Singular
- Milky disease
- Plural
- Milky diseases
Definition
A fatal, infectious disease of scarab beetles caused by a bacterium ( _Paenibacillus popilliae_) that forms milky white cysts in the body cavity.
Etymology
Named after the milky white cysts characteristic of the disease.
Example
Milky disease outbreaks can significantly impact scarab beetle populations, especially those involved in agricultural pest control.
Related Terms
- Paenibacillus popilliae
- Scarab beetles
- Pest control
Usage Notes
Milky disease is a serious threat to scarab beetle populations worldwide.