Teredo is a genus of saltwater mollusks that are commonly referred to as shipworms, BORER worms, or simply worms. They are known for their ability to bore into wood, which makes them a major pest in the shipping industry. The term 'teredo' is derived from the Latin word for 'BORER'. The most common species of teredo is the Teredo navalis, which is also known as the common SHIPWORM. This species is found in temperate and tropical waters around the world and is responsible for much of the damage caused to wooden ships and docks.