harlequin bug

noun

1. a black stink bug, Murgantia histrionica, having red and yellow markings, that feeds on cabbages and other cruciferous plants.

harlequin bug

noun

1. a brightly coloured heteropterous insect, Murgantia histrionica, of the US and Central America: a pest of cabbages and related plants: family Pentatomidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of harlequin bug¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

This is called the harlequin bug from its fantastic appearance.

From Project Gutenberg