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Armyworm adult
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University)
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Common Name: Armyworm - adult
See also: larva | damage

Scientific Name: Noctuidae: Pseudaletia unipuncta

Status: pest of grasses, small grain crops, and corn

Damaging Stage: caterpillar

Biology: Armyworm adults are light brown-gray moths with a conspicuous white spot about the size of a pinhead on each front wing. The wingspan is approximately 1.5 inches across.

Armyworm eggs are laid in masses and are greenish white. Often, many hatch at the same time, which produces ”armies” of these caterpillars. When such populations exist, they appear to march in masses, devouring all of the plants in their path. Full-grown caterpillars are gray and are approximately 1½ inches long. White, orange, and dark brown stripes run the length of the abdomen on each side. The head capsule is a light orange and can sometimes be mottled.