Cankerworm

People's Dictionary of the Bible

Cankerworm.  Joel 1:4;  Joel 2:25;  Nahum 3:15-16. The same original word is rendered "caterpillar" in  Psalms 105:34;  Jeremiah 51:14;  Jeremiah 51:27. But the Revised Version reads cankerworm in all these passages. It may perhaps designate the locust when it is in its larva state. See Locust.

Morrish Bible Dictionary

yeleq. This is supposed to be the 'hedge-chafer,' a species of locust. It "spoileth [or spreadeth itself out] and fleeth away." It devours much herbage, and is used as a figure of the enemies that would destroy Nineveh.  Nahum 3:15,16;  Joel 1:4;  Joel 2:25 . The same Hebrew word is translated Caterpiller in  Psalm 105:34;  Jeremiah 51:14,27 .

Fausset's Bible Dictionary

yeleq , "the licking locust"; the locust when it emerges from the caterpillar state, and takes wing.  Nahum 3:16; "spoileth," rather "the cankerworm puts off (the envelope of its wings) and fleeth away," so shall thy merchants flee. The small wings enable them to leap better, but not to fly; so, until their wings are matured, they continue devouring all vegetation in front of them.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

 Joel 1:4 2:25 Psalm 105:34 Jeremiah 51:14,17 Nahum 3:16

Holman Bible Dictionary

 Joel 1:4 Joel 2:25 Nahum 3:15-16InsectsLocust

Webster's Dictionary

(n.) The larva of two species of geometrid moths which are very injurious to fruit and shade trees by eating, and often entirely destroying, the foliage. Other similar larvae are also called cankerworms.

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

Cankerworm . See Locust.