true bug

noun

1. bug ¹( def 1 ).

true bug

/ tro̅o̅ /

1. Any of various insects of the group Heteroptera. True bugs usually have soft flat bodies, well-developed antennae, and stink glands. They include the water bugs, water striders, bedbugs, cinch bugs, lace bugs, and assassin bugs. Some scientists classify the true bugs as a suborder of the order Hemiptera rather than as a separate insect order.
2. See Note at bug

Word History and Origins

Origin of true bug¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

What is even scarier, as the largest European true bug and the largest European water insect and measuring up to 12 cm, it has a reputation of inflicting very painful bites when handled carelessly.

From Science Daily

She and her colleagues found that, compared with their numbers in the remaining lawn, plants, bats, spiders, true bugs and other invertebrates had flourished in the meadow.

From Scientific American

Cicadas, on the other hand, are part of the order Hemiptera, or true bugs, and are more closely related to aphids and leafhoppers.

From Washington Post

Fun fact: Few creatures we call “bugs” are actually classified as bugs by scientists, but cicadas are true bugs because of the way they eat.

From Washington Post

Whether you call them fireflies or lightning bugs, these insects are neither flies nor true bugs.

From Scientific American