Fleahopper

/ˈfliːhɒpər/ noun

Definition

A small jumping insect pest (order Hemiptera) that damages cotton and other crops, named for its flea-like jumping ability.

Etymology

Compound of 'flea' and 'hopper' (something that hops), from early 20th century agricultural terminology. Named for resembling a flea in behavior.

Kelly Says

Agricultural scientists named this tiny cotton pest 'fleahopper' because it jumps like a flea—a perfect example of how farmers give creatures descriptive common names based on what they actually do!

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