Pronunciation: [kˈabe͡ɪd͡ʒwˌɜːm] (IPA) 
The word "cabbageworm" is spelled with two "b"s, even though it might seem more natural to spell it with one. This is because the word is made up of two separate words - "cabbage" and "worm" - that are combined into a single compound word. The spelling maintains the separate sounds of each word, resulting in two "b"s. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be pronounced /ˈkæbɪdʒwɔːrm/.
Cabbageworm is a noun that refers to a type of caterpillar belonging to the family Pieridae and subfamily Pierinae, which commonly infests plants from the cabbage family, especially cabbages, broccoli, and cauliflower. Scientifically known as Pieris rapae, the cabbageworm is widely distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia.
This relatively small caterpillar typically measures about an inch in length and has a pale green color with a velvety texture. Cabbageworms are voracious feeders and their preferred host plants are cruciferous vegetables, where they can cause extensive damage by feeding on the leaves, stems, and even flower heads. These pests primarily feed on the outer leaves of plants, leaving behind irregular holes and chewed areas.
Throughout their life cycle, cabbageworms undergo several stages of development, including egg, larvae (caterpillar), pupa, and adult butterfly. The eggs are yellowish, cylindrical, and usually laid in clusters on the undersides of leaves. The larvae emerge from the eggs and start feeding on the host plant, gradually reaching maturity over several weeks before entering the pupal stage. In this stage, they undergo metamorphosis to transform into adult butterflies.
Due to their destructive feeding habits, cabbageworms are considered significant agricultural pests. Farmers and gardeners employ various control methods, including manual removal, introduction of natural predators, and the use of chemical insecticides when necessary.
The word "cabbageworm" is composed of two parts: "cabbage" and "worm".
The term "cabbage" dates back to the late 14th century and is derived from the Middle English word "caboge" or "cabage", which came from the Old French word "caboche", meaning "head". It refers to the round, leafy vegetable that belongs to the Brassica genus.
The word "worm" has its roots in Old English, traced back to the word "wyrm", which referred to various types of creatures, including serpents, dragons, and small invertebrates. Over time, "worm" began to be commonly associated with small, creeping or crawling creatures.
When combined, "cabbageworm" specifically denotes a type of worm or caterpillar that feeds on cabbage plants, belonging to the family Pieridae.
