plant bug

noun

1. any of numerous, often brightly colored hemipterous insects of the family Miridae that feed on the juices of plants.

Word History and Origins

Origin of plant bug¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

Knows of a plantation not mulched at all, that suffered more than any other this year from the tarnished plant bug.

From Project Gutenberg

There is an insect that produces similar trouble on other plants, a plant bug, which is hard to secure because it flies away.

From Project Gutenberg

Of the latter, Lygus pratensis, the tarnished plant-bug, is reported by Professor Crosby as sucking blood.

From Project Gutenberg