Bugs

Bugs is a common term for insects in everyday language, but in science “true bugs” refers to the order Hemiptera. True bugs share mouthparts adapted for piercing and sucking and include groups such as aphids, cicadas, leafhoppers, shield bugs and assassin bugs. They occupy a broad range of habitats and feeding strategies, from herbivory to predation and parasitism. While many species are minor or beneficial, a number are crop pests or household nuisances. In ecosystems, bugs influence plant health, serve as pollinators, and form part of food webs.

In computing, a bug is a defect or flaw in software or hardware that causes incorrect or unexpected results. The term is used across development, testing, and operations, and debugging is the process of finding and fixing bugs. The phrase is often attributed to early computer work, including anecdotes about a moth found in a machine, though the metaphor predates modern computers. Bugs can be syntax errors, logic errors, runtime faults, or security vulnerabilities.

Bugs in both senses affect humans in various ways. Insects contribute to biodiversity, pollination, and soil health, but some species damage crops or spread disease. Software bugs can reduce reliability and safety, motivating quality assurance and maintenance. Understanding and managing bugs involves observation, analysis, and corrective action in both biology and technology.