palmerworm

Any of several caterpillars that feed on the leaves of fruit trees, such as the small green caterpillar of the North American moth Dichomeris ligulella.

A caterpillar; especially, a hairy caterpillar injurious to vegetation, but what kind is unknown or undetermined.

In the United States, the larva of the tineid moth Ypsilophus pometella, which in eastern parts of the country appears on the leaves of the apple in June, draws them together, and skeletonizes them.

Any hairy caterpillar which appears in great numbers, devouring herbage, and wandering about like a palmer. The name is applied also to other voracious insects.

In America, the larva of any one of several moths, which destroys the foliage of fruit and forest trees, esp. the larva of Ypsolophus pometellus, which sometimes appears in vast numbers.

A gelechiid moth, Dichomeris ligulella, destructive to certain trees.