red-backed cutworm

noun

: a cutworm that is the larva of a noctuid moth (Euxoa ochrogaster), that is a serious pest on wheat, barley, rye, sugar beets and other plants in Canada and northern U.S., and that feeds both above and below ground

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!