毛虫

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 毛虫 is read as けむし and is an everyday noun for a caterpillar, especially one with conspicuous hairs.
• Basic usage: Use 葉の裏に毛虫がいる for where one is found and 毛虫を観察する for making it the object of observation.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Range of caterpillar
  • English caterpillar can be broad, while the Japanese spelling highlights a visibly hairy larva.
• Location and observation
  • The larva under a leaf is an existing subject, whereas the garden caterpillar becomes the direct object placed in a box and observed.