"A spider is not a good insect"

[PetterNord]

True; they're not insects at all. But I think they're lovely. Would "buibui" mean strictly "insect" or also other small arthropods?

[likes2hike]

Assuming you misspoke and meant to ask if "mdudu" means strictly "insect" ("buibui" means spider):

According to the Swahili Wikipedia, "mdudu" is indeed used for just about any small arthropod, at least colloquially. To make a distinction when referring to "true" insects, you can literally say "wadudu wa kweli."

https://sw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mdudu

https://sw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wadudu

[AGreatUserName]

A whale is also not a good insect ;-)