Agriotes

/ˌæɡriˈoʊtiz/ noun

Definition

A genus of click beetles, farm pests whose larvae (wireworms) damage crop roots and underground plant parts.

Etymology

From Greek 'agrios' (wild, field) relating to their agricultural habitat, combined with the scientific '-otes' suffix. The genus was named to highlight these beetles' association with agricultural damage.

Kelly Says

Agriotes wireworms have plagued farmers for centuries—they're tiny but devastating, living underground for years eating roots, and their 'clicking' jumping mechanism is so powerful it's been studied by engineers designing jump robots.

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