yellow-necked caterpillar

noun

: a predominantly black gregarious caterpillar with a yellow thorax, yellow longitudinal stripes, and a covering of white hairs down each side that is the larva of a handmaid moth (Datana ministra) and that is often a destructive defoliator of fruit and other deciduous trees and shrubs

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near yellow-necked caterpillar

Cite this Entry

“Yellow-necked caterpillar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yellow-necked%20caterpillar. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!