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Pentatomidae

plural noun
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Pen·​ta·​tom·​i·​dae

Definition of Pentatomidae

: a large and widely distributed family of terrestrial bugs (order Hemiptera) usually flattened and angular in form and often brilliantly colored that live mainly on the juices of plants and fruits though some are important predators of caterpillars and other insect pests — compare harlequin bug

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History and Etymology for Pentatomidae

New Latin, from Pentatoma, type genus (from penta- + -toma) + -idae

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Dictionary Entries Near Pentatomidae

pentatomid

Pentatomidae

pentatone

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Cite this Entry

“Pentatomidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pentatomidae. Accessed 6 Jul. 2022.

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