Definition

Noun: 1. A type of caterpillar: Refers to the larval stage of several moth species. These larvae are known for their gregarious (group-living) behavior and for constructing a silken web or tent over the leaves and branches of plants. They feed on the foliage enclosed within or protected by this web.

Usage and Examples

• General Use: The term is used to identify and describe these specific, web-spinning pest insects.
  • The apple trees are infested with webworms.
  • Gardeners often need to control webworm populations to protect their plants.
• In Scientific/Agricultural Context: Used to specify the pest in discussions of biology, horticulture, or forestry.
  • The fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) is a common defoliator of many deciduous trees.
  • The research paper studied the life cycle of the webworm.

Advanced Usage

• The web itself is often called a webworm tent or webworm nest.
  • The unsightly webworm tents were visible throughout the park.

Variants and Related Words

• Fall webworm (): A common species in North America that builds large webs on tree branches in late summer and fall.
• Spring webworm: A general term sometimes used for species active earlier in the year.
• Webworm moth: Refers to the adult moth stage of these insects.

Synonyms

• Caterpillar (general term for moth/butterfly larvae)
• Larva (general biological term)
• Defoliator (describes its feeding action)

Notes on Meaning

• Webworm is a compound noun combining "web" and "worm." It is important to note that it refers specifically to the larval form of certain moths, not to the adult moth or to other types of insects. The "worm" part is a common, non-scientific term for caterpillar-like larvae.

Noun

1. several gregarious moth larvae that spin webs over foliage on which they feed