harlequin bug

noun

1. a black stink bug, Murgantia histrionica, having red and yellow markings, that feeds on cabbages and other cruciferous plants.

harlequin bug

noun

1. a brightly coloured heteropterous insect, Murgantia histrionica, of the US and Central America: a pest of cabbages and related plants: family Pentatomidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of harlequin bug¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

A nearby and exposed line of turnips was also attracting another serious pest of brassicas, the harlequin bug.

From Washington Post

True Colors In some ways, the cotton harlequin bug of Australia seems to have the best of both worlds: Warning colors and camouflage, which each serve to dissuade a different predator.

From National Geographic

This is called the harlequin bug from its fantastic appearance.

From Project Gutenberg