rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygrubInsect larva
noun

grub

A soft-bodied insect larva.

A pale grub curls beneath the turned soil.

Etymology
grubMiddle Englishto dig

The larva name is associated with grub, to dig. It pictures the small creature as a digger or rooter in soil or other material.

More examples

  • Several grubs damaged the roots.
  • The bird pulled a grub from the lawn.
  • The gardener identified the soft-bodied grub.

Forms

grub · grubs

Similar words

larva
Larva is the broader biological term.
maggot
Maggot usually identifies a fly larva.