flower bug

noun

: any of various small mostly black-and-white predaceous bugs (family Anthocoridae) that frequent flowers and feed on pest insects (such as aphids and thrips)

Examples of flower bug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Minute pirate bugs and their close cousin, insidious flower bugs, belong to the group of bugs known as true bugs, which include bed bugs, squash bugs and stink bugs. Shari Rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, 21 Oct. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flower bug was circa 1889

Dictionary Entries Near flower bug

Cite this Entry

“Flower bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flower%20bug. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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