Gregarina

/ɡrɪˈɡɑːrɪnə/ noun

Definition

A genus of parasitic protozoans (single-celled organisms) that infect insects and other arthropods.

Etymology

From the Latin gregarius (gregarious) referencing the organisms' tendency to gather in large numbers within a host.

Kelly Says

These tiny parasites were named for their gregarious behavior inside insects—biologists noticed they clustered together, giving them their scientific name that describes how they behave at microscopic scale.

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