heteroptera
/ˌhɛtəˈrɑptərə/
noun
- A large group of insects that includes true bugs, such as stink bugs, water bugs, and assassin bugs, characterized by having forewings that are partly hardened and partly membranous.
- The pond was full of heteroptera, including water striders and backswimmers.
- Some heteroptera, like the assassin bug, are beneficial because they eat other pests.
- Heteroptera includes many insects that are pests in gardens and farms.