Cicadellidae

/ˌsɪkəˈdɛləˌdiː/ noun

Definition

A large family of small jumping insects called leafhoppers, which feed on plant sap.

Etymology

From 'Cicada' (the insect genus) + '-ellidae' (Latin family suffix for insects). Named because leafhoppers resemble tiny cicadas, the family name follows Linnaean taxonomic convention.

Kelly Says

Cicadellidae is a scientist's way of saying 'the cicada-like family'—there are over 20,000 species of leafhoppers hiding in that one word, making it one of the most diverse insect families on Earth, and they're mostly tiny enough you never notice them.

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