homopteran

[ huh-mop-ter-uhn, hoh- ]

adjective

1. homopterous.

noun

1. a homopterous insect.

homopteran

/ hə-mŏp′tər-ən /

1. Any of various insects belonging to the group Homoptera. Homopterans suck sap from plants and can be very destructive. They include the cicadas, treehoppers, leafhoppers, aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, and mealybugs. Some scientists consider the homopterans to be a suborder of the order Hemiptera, while others consider them to be a separate insect order.

Word History and Origins

Origin of homopteran¹

First recorded in 1835–45; homopterous, -an