also: よとうむし
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.
Cutworms ravaged the cabbage seedlings.
I patrolled the garden at night to get rid of the cutworms.
Standard kanji spelling; the reading やとうむし is the most common.
Alternate reading; less common than やとうむし.
Compound of 夜盗 (night thief) and 虫 (insect), referring to the larvae's nocturnal feeding habit.