1.
caterpillar, hairy caterpillar
The larval stage of moths and butterflies, especially those covered with hair or bristles. Some species can cause skin irritation.
木の葉に毛虫がいました。
There was a caterpillar on the tree leaves.
毛虫に触ると痒くなることがあります。
Touching caterpillars can sometimes make you itchy.
毛虫は蝶か蛾になります。
Caterpillars turn into butterflies or moths.
春になると毛虫が多くなる。
Caterpillars become more common in spring.
子どもが毛虫を見つけて怖がっていた。
The child found a caterpillar and was scared.
毛虫 refers specifically to hairy caterpillars.
毛 means "hair" and 虫 means "insect/bug."
Note: Smooth caterpillars without hair are called 芋虫 (literally "potato bug").
Caution: Some 毛虫 have urticating (stinging) hairs that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. The 茶毒蛾 (tea tussock moth) caterpillar is particularly known for this in Japan.
Counter: 匹