beet armyworm

noun

the caterpillar of a noctuid moth, Laphygma exigua, a pest of beets, asparagus, corn, cotton, peas, and peppers.

Origin of beet armyworm

First recorded in 1900–05

Also called asparagus fern caterpillar.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018