noun
- a large green beetle (Cotinis mutabilis) found in the southwestern United States that feeds on fruit, especially figs and other ripening produce
Usage: also called fig beetle; primarily North American usage
Examples
- The figeater beetle is a common pest in California orchards during late summer.
- Gardeners often find figeaters feeding on overripe figs and peaches.
- The iridescent green figeater can cause significant damage to ripening fruit crops.
- Unlike many beetles, the figeater is active during the day and can be seen buzzing around fruit trees.