railroad worm

"Railroad worm" refers to either a bioluminescent beetle or a fruit fly larva, named for its unique glowing segments or burrowing behavior in apples.

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Definition

C1Entomology

(technical)A larva or female adult of a beetle known for its glowing segments, resembling train lights.

Example

  • The railroad worm's bioluminescence helps it deter predators in the dark.
  • Scientists study the railroad worm to understand bioluminescent mechanisms.

B2Agriculture

(technical)The larva of a fruit fly that burrows through apples, creating visible tunnels.

Example

  • Farmers often inspect apples for damage caused by the railroad worm.
  • The presence of railroad worms can significantly affect apple crop quality.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "railroad worm":

white wormjumping wormoh wormspiral wormrailroad tieworm burnerblood wormstomach wormspaghetti wormcabbage wormpeacock wormrail wagon