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Glite Dictionary
Malacosoma

Malacosoma

9.9
A kind of moth whose caterpillars make silk tents in trees
  • noun
  • /ˌmæləkəˈsoʊmə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Malacosoma
  • The Malacosoma caterpillars built large silk tents in the branches of the cherry tree.

Examples

  • A sudden outbreak of Malacosoma larvae can defoliate entire sections of woodland.

  • Entomologists studied Malacosoma populations to understand their impact on local forests.

  • The Malacosoma moth is known for its distinctive appearance.

  • Have you ever seen a Malacosoma caterpillar in the wild?

  • The Malacosoma caterpillars built large silk tents in the branches of the cherry tree.

  • A sudden outbreak of Malacosoma larvae can defoliate entire sections of woodland.

  • Entomologists studied Malacosoma populations to understand their impact on local forests.

Synonyms

tent-caterpillar moth
vsMalacosoma
  • UK
8.7

An insect whose caterpillars spin large silk tents in trees

is a scientific genus covering several related species rather than a single moth

Compounds

Malacosoma americana
  • Specialized
9.9

A moth whose caterpillars live together in silk tents in trees

Surface Forms

Malacosoma singular
Malacosoma plural

Etymology

The word Malacosoma comes from Greek roots malako- 'soft' and -soma 'body'. So the name gives a clear picture: these are soft-bodied moth caterpillars, the tent caterpillars that often make silk tents in trees.