cucumber beetle

noun

1. any leaf beetle of the genus Diabrotica and related genera that feeds on cucumbers and other plants of the gourd family and is a vector of cucurbit wilt.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cucumber beetle¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

The watermelon seedlings must be protected from the cucumber beetle until the foliage becomes toughened.

From Project Gutenberg

In some sections of the country the little striped cucumber-beetle attacks the melons and cucumbers as soon as they come up.

From Project Gutenberg