Lerp (biology)
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In biology, a lerp is a structure of crystallized honeydew produced by larvae of psyllid bugs as a protective cover. These animals are commonly referred to as lerp insects, of which there are over 300 species in Australia.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Lerps are energy rich, consisting mostly of starch, with some proteins and fats.<ref name=":0" /> They are eaten by flying foxes, possums and birds such as pardalotes and honeyeaters.<ref name=":0" />
The word is derived from the Wemba Wemba word lerep.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Lerps are traditionally eaten by Indigenous people, and can be stored as dry balls for future use.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
See also
References
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