The larva of the widespread gout fly, Chlorops pumilionis (family Chloropidae), which causes damage to the growing plants and young ears of various cereals and grasses.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in John Chalmers Morton (1821–1888), writer on agriculture.
Definition of rye-worm in US English:
rye-worm
noun
rare
The larva of the widespread gout fly, Chlorops pumilionis (family Chloropidae), which causes damage to the growing plants and young ears of various cereals and grasses.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in John Chalmers Morton (1821–1888), writer on agriculture.