Entomophthora

/ˌɛntəmoʊˈfθɔrə/ noun

Definition

A genus of fungus that infects and kills insects, causing them to stick to surfaces while spreading spores.

Etymology

From Greek 'entomon' (insect) and 'phthora' (destruction or ruin). Named descriptively in the 19th century because it destroys insects.

Kelly Says

Entomophthora fungi are nature's zombie-makers—they infect insects and make them climb to high places before killing them, so spores can spread farther to infect other insects.

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