- Anisopteryx vernata
- Cankerworm Can"ker*worm`, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The larva of two species of geometrid moths which are very
injurious to fruit and shade trees by eating, and often
entirely destroying, the foliage. Other similar larv[ae] are
also called cankerworms.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The autumnal species ({Anisopteryx pometaria}) becomes adult late in autumn (after frosts) and in winter. The spring species ({Anisopteryx vernata}) remains in the ground through the winter, and matures in early spring. Both have winged males and wingless females. The larv[ae] are similar in appearance and habits, and belong to the family of measuring worms or spanworms. These larv[ae] hatch from the eggs when the leaves begin to expand in spring. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.