Grubworm

/ˈɡrʌbwɜːrm/ noun

Definition

A larval form of an insect, especially a beetle or May bug; any worm-like larva found in soil.

Etymology

Compound word from 'grub' (insect larva) + 'worm' (term for elongated invertebrate). Old term used to describe the larval stage before it becomes a flying insect.

Kelly Says

Grubworm is delightfully redundant—both parts mean essentially the same thing—but that redundancy shows how important and familiar these pests were that people called them by two names at once!

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