Lygus bugs

Pronunciation
/LIGH-gus buhgz/
Category
Pest
Singular
Lygus bug
Plural
Lygus bugs

Definition

General feeders found on most plants and trees, causing damage by sucking sap from buds and leaves. They inject a toxin during feeding which kills the area fed upon or causes distorted growth.

Etymology

Named after the genus Lygus, which is part of the family Miridae.

Example

Lygus bugs are often found in fields where crops such as potatoes and tomatoes are grown.

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