squash bug

noun

1. a dark-brown bug, Anasa tristis, that sucks the sap from the leaves of squash, pumpkin, and other plants of the gourd family.

squash bug

noun

1. any of various heteropterous insects of the family Coreidae , esp a North American species, Anasa tristis , which is a pest of squash, pumpkin, and related plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of squash bug¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

The squash bug lives thru the winter as the matured winged insect.

From Project Gutenberg

The squash-bug, the chinch-bug, and the electric-light bug are examples of these.

From Project Gutenberg

The sucking Insects include all the kinds of plant lice, the squash bug and all the scale Insects.

From Project Gutenberg

The squash bug lays its eggs on the under surface of the plant's leaves.

From Project Gutenberg