potato bug
The term "potato bug" can refer to different insects depending on the region and context, including pests that harm potato plants and other unrelated insects.
Definition
B2Western United States and Mexico
(regional, informal)A large, flightless insect known as the Jerusalem cricket, with strong mandibles and a distinctive appearance.
Example
- The potato bug, or Jerusalem cricket, can often be found under rocks and logs in the western United States.
B2Agriculture
(technical, formal)An insect pest known as the Colorado potato beetle that feeds on the leaves of potato plants and other members of the nightshade family.
Example
- Farmers are concerned about the damage caused by potato bugs on their crops.
B1General
(informal)A small, terrestrial crustacean commonly known as a woodlouse or pill bug, which can roll into a ball for protection.
Example
- Kids often call the woodlouse a potato bug because of its ability to curl up into a ball.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "potato bug":
squash bugwater bugseed bugpotato wartwild potatoblack beetleharlequin bugground beetleassassin bugshield beetlerose beetlestink beetlepotato chippotato paradoxpotato eaterpotato masherfiddle beetlepotato cakebug bombcabbage mothfire beetle