Bugs

Definition

Members of the insect order Hemiptera, commonly called true bugs; also used more loosely for any small terrestrial arthropod, though specialists restrict the term to Hemiptera. Distinguished by piercing-sucking mouthparts (a segmented rostrum) and forewings that are typically half-leathery, half-membranous (hemelytra).

Etymology

From Middle English bugge, of uncertain origin; applied to insects from the 17th century, later narrowed in entomological usage to Hemiptera.

Example

Stink bugs, leaf-footed bugs, and water striders are all true bugs, whereas beetles and butterflies are not.

Synonyms

• true bugs
• Hemiptera

Related Terms

• Hemiptera
• Heteroptera
• Homoptera
• rostrum
• hemelytron
• pentatomid
• lygaeid

Usage Notes

In entomology, 'bugs' is a taxonomically precise common name for Hemiptera, contrasting with the vernacular use for any creepy-crawly. Specialists may correct non-specialists who apply 'bug' to beetles, spiders, or centipedes. The suborder Heteroptera contains most familiar bugs; Homoptera (aphids, cicadas, scale insects) is sometimes treated separately. Capitalized 'Bugs' in a taxonomic context usually refers to the plural of the common name, not a formal clade name.