毛虫(けむし)

けむし
noun
caterpillar
1. caterpillar, hairy caterpillar
The larval stage of moths and butterflies, especially those covered with hair or bristles. Some species can cause skin irritation.
木(き)の葉(は)に毛虫(けむし)がいました。
There was a caterpillar on the tree leaves.
毛虫(けむし)に触(さわ)ると痒(かゆ)くなることがあります。
Touching caterpillars can sometimes make you itchy.
毛虫(けむし)は蝶(ちょう)か蛾(が)になります。
Caterpillars turn into butterflies or moths.
春(はる)になると毛虫(けむし)が多(おお)くなる。
Caterpillars become more common in spring.
子(こ)どもが毛虫(けむし)を見(み)つけて怖(こわ)がっていた。
The child found a caterpillar and was scared.

毛虫(けむし) refers specifically to hairy caterpillars.

毛(け) means "hair" and 虫(むし) means "insect/bug."

Note: Smooth caterpillars without hair are called 芋虫(いもむし) (literally "potato bug").

Caution: Some 毛虫(けむし) have urticating (stinging) hairs that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. The 茶毒蛾(ちゃどくが) (tea tussock moth) caterpillar is particularly known for this in Japan.

Counter: 匹(ひき)

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Added 2026.1.14 22:31 · Revised 2026.6.4 0:10
04500/04933_kemushi