Definition

A type of small moth whose caterpillars feed on the inner tissue of leaves, leaving only the veins behind.

Example

The skeletonizer moth is known for its distinctive feeding pattern on plants.

Conversation

Have you seen the damage on my plants?

Yeah, it looks like a skeletonizer got to them.

I didn't even know those insects existed until now.

They can be pretty destructive, especially in gardens.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Skeletonizer → It is formed from "skeleton" (from Greek "skeletos", meaning dried up or withered) and "-izer" (meaning to make or to cause to become). The word "skeletonizer" refers to something that causes the skeleton or framework of an object to be revealed or emphasized, often used in the context of certain insects that feed on the softer parts of plants, leaving only the skeleton behind.

Memory Tip

Think of 'skeleton' as the dried-up framework of something, and '-izer' means to make or cause. So, a skeletonizer is something that makes the skeleton visible by removing the softer parts.

Visually Confused Words