gamma moth

noun

: a migratory European noctuid moth (Plusia gamma) having a bright silvery Y-shaped mark on each of the forewings and a larva that feeds on the cabbage and other vegetables

called also silver Y moth

Word History

Etymology

New Latin gamma (specific epithet of Plusia gamma), from Late Latin, third letter of the Greek alphabet; from the likeness in shape of the marks on the forewings to small gammas

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of gamma moth was in 1799

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