noun
- plural of figeater; large metallic green beetles (family Scarabaeidae) found in the southwestern United States that feed on fruit, especially figs
Usage: common name; also called fig beetles
Examples
- Figeaters are common pests in California orchards during late summer.
- The bright green figeaters can damage ripe fruit on trees.
- Gardeners often struggle with figeaters eating their figs and other soft fruits.
- Figeaters are attracted to fermenting fruit and sweet-smelling plants.