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Webster's 1913 Dictionary

CANKERWORM

CANKERWORM Can "ker *worm `, n. (Zoöl.)

Defn: 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 larvæ are also called cankerworms.

Note: The autumnal species (Anisopteryx pometaria ) becomes adult late in autumn (after frosts ) and in winter. The spring species (A. vernata ) remains in the ground through the winter, and matures in early spring. Both have winged males and wingless females. The larvæ are similar in appearance and habits, and beling to the family of measuring worms or spanworms. These larvæ hatch from the eggs when the leaves being to expand in spring.

New American Oxford Dictionary

cankerworm

can ker worm |ˈkaNGkərˌwərm ˈkæŋkərwərm | ▶noun the caterpillar of a North American moth that has wingless females. Cankerworms consume the buds and leaves of trees and can be a major pest. [Several species in the family Geometridae, in particular Paleacrita vernata and Alsophila pometaria. ]

Oxford Dictionary

cankerworm

canker |worm |ˈkaŋkəwəːm | ▶noun the caterpillar of a North American moth that has wingless females. Cankerworms consume the buds and leaves of trees and can be a major pest. ●Several species in the family Geometridae.