Aphidivorous

/ˌæf.ɪˈdɪv.ər.əs/ adjective

Definition

Feeding on or eating aphids; describes animals like ladybugs and lacewings that consume aphids as food.

Etymology

Combines 'aphidi-' (relating to aphids) with the Latin '-vorous' meaning 'feeding on' (from 'vorare,' to devour). This biological term describes a specific dietary specialization.

Kelly Says

A single ladybug can eat up to 60 aphids in one day—that's like a human eating 1,200 hamburgers! This makes ladybugs farmers' favorite insects because they control pests naturally.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.