Armyworms—Spodoptera spp.
Armyworm larvae feed in groups, which distinguishes them from other vegetable pests such as corn earworms
and loopers. Markings on newly hatched armyworms are usually hard to distinguish from those of other caterpillars;
older larvae have distinct lengthwise stripes. The surface of the armyworm skin is smooth.
Identification of species | Life
cycle
Damage
Armyworms may feed on the crowns of seedlings. On larger plants, armyworm caterpillars skeletonize leaves.
In tomatoes, strawberries, and cucurbits they make shallow (occasionally deeper) gouges in fruit.
SolutionsHandpick. Virus
diseases, parasites (Hyposoter and Trichogramma), and general
predators may be effective on caterpillars. Eggs are protected from parasites by fluff. Bacillus thuringiensis
or other insecticides such as spinosad may be used against young caterpillars but are needed only
when numbers are high on seedlings. Ignore armyworms in sweet corn, where they do not usually cause major
damage.
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