Ā'phis, n.

n.; pl. ĀPH'I-DĒS. [N. Lat. aphis.] (Entom.) The puceron, vine-fretter, or plant-louse; a genus of insects belonging to the order Hemiptera.

The aphis has a short body, transparent wings, and jointed antennae. Some—usually females—are without wings. The abdomen usually ends in two projections, from which exudes the substance called honey-dew. The species are very numerous.