webworm

[web-wurm]

noun

1. the larva of any of several moths, as Hyphantria cunea fall webworm or Loxostege similalis garden webworm, which spins a web over the foliage on which it feeds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of webworm¹

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800; web + worm

Example Sentences

The researchers found that the insect with the second-highest number of plant hosts is the fall webworm, a moth that is known to feed on 636 different plant species.

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Likewise, American species are wreaking havoc abroad, including the fall webworm, which devastates thousands of acres of forest in China each year.

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I saw some tent caterpillars, webworms and even small green canker worms earlier and thought a strong assault was on the way, but it hasn’t materialized.

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I looked up at the filmy bags of webworms high above me in the lush canopy of oaks bending over the river.

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What they are: Fall webworms are a type of moth known particularly for its larval stage, when it creates silky webs that cover entire branches of trees.

Read more on Washington Times