also: よとうむし
noun
cutworm; armyworm
Refers to the larvae of certain moths (Noctuidae) that feed at night, often damaging crops. The term is used in agricultural and gardening contexts.
夜盗虫がキャベツの苗を食い荒らした。
Cutworms ravaged the cabbage seedlings.
庭の夜盗虫を駆除するために、夜に見回りをし
I patrolled the garden at night to get rid of the cutworms.
Katakana spelling often used in scientific or gardening contexts, but the meaning is identical.
Compound of 夜盗 (night thief) and 虫 (insect), referring to the larvae's nocturnal feeding habit.