a larva of the family Torticidae (Lepidoptera) that feeds on and in buds and young shoots —note budworms are important forest defoliators that can cause extensive damage, e.g., spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana), western spruce budworm (C. occidentalis), jack pine budworm (C. pinus), black-headed budworm (Acleris variana), and large aspen tortrix (C. conflictana) This definition last updated 07/17/2008