antler moth

9.8

A moth with white, branching marks on its front wings whose caterpillars eat grass

noun
/ˈæntlər mɔθ/

: polilla de cuerno

A distinctive feature of the antler moth is the white, branching markings on its forewings.

Examples

The fields were infested with antler moth larvae, which destroyed much of the grass.
Farmers are often concerned when large numbers of antler moth caterpillars appear in their grasslands.
The antler moth is known for its distinctive markings.
Farmers are concerned about the antler moths damaging their crops.
A distinctive feature of the antler moth is the white, branching markings on its forewings.
Farmers are often concerned when large numbers of antler moth caterpillars appear in their grasslands.
The fields were infested with antler moth larvae, which destroyed much of the grass.

Synonyms

Cerapteryx graminis

vsantler moth

Specialized

9.9

A European moth with white antler-like marks whose caterpillars eat and damage grass

is the common everyday name used instead of the formal label

Surface Forms

antler moth singular

antler moths plural

Morphology

antler + moth

This is a straightforward descriptive noun–noun compound: 'antler' modifies 'moth' to signal antler-like markings or shape on the insect. A B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to a moth with antler-shaped markings, so the meaning is directly derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Antler moth gets its name from the white, branch-like marks on its forewings that look like antlers, so people named the moth after deer horns. That's why the name now refers to a moth whose caterpillars can 'eat and damage grass'.