Summit Disease

Definition

A term mistakenly associated with high altitude illnesses; however, in the context of entomology, it refers to a condition caused by fungal infection that affects insects, causing them to climb to elevated positions before dying.

Etymology

From the Latin 'summus', meaning 'highest', and likely adapted from its descriptive use referring to the climbing behavior of affected insects.

Example

Insects affected by summit disease climb to the tops of plants before succumbing to the infection.

Related Terms

• Fungal infection
• Entomopathogenic fungi

Usage Notes

Summit disease is observed in insects infected by certain entomopathogenic fungi that manipulate host behavior.