Caterpillar vs. Earthworm — What's the Difference?

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.

An earthworm is a terrestrial invertebrate that belongs to the phylum Annelida. They exhibit a tube-within-a-tube body plan, are externally segmented with corresponding internal segmentation, and usually have setae on all segments.

The wormlike larva of a butterfly or moth.

Any of various terrestrial annelid worms of the class Oligochaeta, especially those of the family Lumbricidae, that burrow into and help aerate and enrich soil.

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

A worm that lives in the ground.

The larva of a butterfly or moth; leafworm

A worm of the family Lumbricidae, or, more generally, of the suborder Lumbricina.

A vehicle with a caterpillar track; a crawler

(figurative) A contemptible person; a groveller.

(maths) A set of subtrees of a tree

Any worm of the genus Lumbricus and allied genera, found in damp soil. One of the largest and most abundant species in Europe and America is L. terrestris; many others are known; - called also angleworm and dewworm.

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 mean, sordid person; a niggard.

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

Terrestrial worm that burrows into and helps aerate soil; often surfaces when the ground is cool or wet; used as bait by anglers

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