Definition

Noun: 1. A type of moth: An egger is a moth belonging to the family Lasiocampidae. Adult egger moths have nonfunctional mouthparts and do not eat. Their larvae (caterpillars) feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs and spin egg-shaped cocoons.

Usage Notes

• The term "egger" is primarily used in entomology (the study of insects) and by naturalists. It is not a common word in everyday conversation.
• It is a countable noun. The plural form is "eggers."
• The name "egger" comes from the distinctive egg-shaped cocoon spun by the caterpillar.

Examples

• The egger moth was identified by its fuzzy body and the characteristic shape of its cocoon.
• Several eggers were attracted to the light trap set up by the researchers.
• The caterpillar of the oak egger feeds on oak leaves before spinning its cocoon.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in a compound form with the name of a host tree to specify a species, e.g., "oak egger." However, this is considered a related compound term, not the primary definition of the isolated word "egger."

Variants and Related Words

• Eggar: An alternative spelling for "egger."
• Lasiocampid: The scientific/adjectival form relating to the moth family Lasiocampidae, which includes eggers.

Synonyms

• Lappet moth: A common name for moths in the same family (Lasiocampidae), often used interchangeably with "egger."
• Tent caterpillar moth: Some species within the Lasiocampidae family are known by this name, though not all eggers are tent caterpillars.

Different Meanings

• Egger (noun, different context): Informally, a person who encourages or incites others to do something, often something mischievous or risky (e.g., "He was the egger-on in all their pranks"). This is a distinct meaning derived from the verb "to egg on."

Noun

1. moth having nonfunctional mouthparts as adults; larvae feed on tree foliage and spin egg-shaped cocoons