Pronunciation: [bˈɒlwɜːm] (IPA) 
Bollworm, a type of moth that attacks crops, is often spelled with a double "l" and "o" - "bollworm". This is because the word is derived from the noun "boll," meaning a seed pod or capsule. The phonetic transcription of the word "bollworm" is /ˈbɒlwɜrm/. The "o" is pronounced as "oh" and the "w" is pronounced as "wuh." The "r" at the end of the word is pronounced, as it is not silent.
A bollworm is a common term used to refer to several species of moths that belong to the Noctuidae family, more specifically, the Helicoverpa and Heliothis genera. These moth species are known to cause extensive damage to a wide range of crops, particularly cotton, corn, soybeans, and tobacco. They derive their name from their feeding habit, as the larvae primarily infest the bolls of plants, which are rounded seed capsules in cotton plants and pods in other crops.
The bollworm larvae, which are typically green, brown, or black in color, have a voracious appetite and can devour the seed and fruit of the host plants. They can cause significant yield losses by reducing the number and quality of the seeds or fruits produced. The pests also feed on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plants, further exacerbating the damage.
Their life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Adults are typically night-flying moths that lay eggs on the host plants. The hatched larvae then bore into the bolls or pods, where they feed and grow until they pupate in the soil. After a period of development, the adult moths emerge, completing the life cycle.
Bollworm infestations are a considerable concern for farmers, as they can cause significant economic losses and necessitate the use of pesticides for control. Integrated pest management strategies, including crop rotation, biological control agents, and genetic resistance, are often employed to minimize damage from bollworm populations.
The word "bollworm" is a combination of two terms: "boll" and "worm".
The term "boll" refers to a rounded seed capsule found in some plants, particularly cotton plants. It contains the plant's seeds and is typically enclosed by protective layers.
The term "worm" in this context refers to a category of insects that are commonly known as caterpillars or larvae.
Putting these terms together, "bollworm" refers to a type of caterpillar or larva that infests the bolls of certain plants, particularly crops such as cotton. These larvae feed on the seeds inside the bolls, leading to damage to the crop.
The etymology of the word "boll" can be traced back to Middle English, where it originally referred to the pod of a plant.
