elm leaf beetle

noun

: a small yellow to greenish black-striped Old World chrysomelid beetle (Pyrrhalta luteola) that in the larval and adult stage is a leaf-eating pest of elms in eastern North America

Examples of elm leaf beetle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Siberian elm, incorrectly called Chinese elm, has severe elm leaf beetle infestations and is susceptible to Dutch elm disease. Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 20 Sep. 2021 The cedar elm will occasionally have aphids and minor elm leaf beetle damage. Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 30 Aug. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elm leaf beetle was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near elm leaf beetle

Cite this Entry

“Elm leaf beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elm%20leaf%20beetle. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!