spindleworm

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. The larva of the noctuid moth Achatodes (or Gortyna) zeæ: so called because it burrows into the spindle of Indian corn. See spindle, n., 3 .

Wiktionary

1. n. rare The larva of a noctuid moth (Achatodes zeae) which feeds inside the stalks of maize, sometimes causing much damage. It is smooth, with a black head and tail and a row of black dots across each segment.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. (Zoöl.) The larva of a noctuid mmoth (Achatodes zeæ) which feeds inside the stalks of corn (maize), sometimes causing much damage. It is smooth, with a black head and tail and a row of black dots across each segment.