Cankerworm vs. Caterpillar — What's the Difference?

The larva of either of two geometrid moths (Paleacrita vernata or Alsophila pometaria), destructive to fruit and shade trees.

Caterpillars ( CAT-ər-pil-ər) are the larval stage of members of the order Lepidoptera (the insect order comprising butterflies and moths). As with most common names, the application of the word is arbitrary, since the larvae of sawflies are commonly called caterpillars as well.

Either of two caterpillars, the larvae of geometrid moths, that are destructive to fruit, buds and leaves.

The wormlike larva of a butterfly or moth.

(figurative) A corrupting or destructive force.

Any of various insect larvae similar to those of the butterfly or moth.

The larva of two species of geometrid moths which are very injurious to fruit and shade trees by eating, and often entirely destroying, the foliage. Other similar larvæ are also called cankerworms.

The larva of a butterfly or moth; leafworm

Green caterpillar of a geometrid moth; pest of various fruit and shade trees

A vehicle with a caterpillar track; a crawler

(maths) A set of subtrees of a tree

The larval state of a butterfly or any lepidopterous insect; sometimes, but less commonly, the larval state of other insects, as the sawflies, which are also called false caterpillars. The true caterpillars have three pairs of true legs, and several pairs of abdominal fleshy legs (prolegs) armed with hooks. Some are hairy, others naked. They usually feed on leaves, fruit, and succulent vegetables, being often very destructive, Many of them are popularly called worms, as the cutworm, cankerworm, army worm, cotton worm, silkworm.

A plant of the genus Scorpiurus, with pods resembling caterpillars.

A wormlike and often brightly colored and hairy or spiny larva of a butterfly or moth

A large vehicle that is driven by caterpillar tracks; frequently used for moving earth in construction and farm work