Gracilariid

/ɡræsɪˈlɛəriɪd/ noun

Definition

An insect of the family Gracillariidae; a leaf-roller moth with a complex life cycle.

Etymology

From Gracilaria (probably through taxonomic naming) plus '-id' (member of a family). The family name comes from the genus Gracilaria, though the connection isn't entirely clear.

Kelly Says

Gracilariid moths have an amazing trick—the larvae roll or fold leaves into tiny shelters while eating from inside, creating nature's origami! Some species have never been seen by scientists.

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