Page 38 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016
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Armyworm adult moths Armyworm larva
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
Armyworm larva Armyworm pupa
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
1.Antenna-2 segmented 6.Thorax- elongated cylindrical shape Armyworm
2.Eyes- ocelli numerous 7.Petiole- none
3.Head- true head capsule w/dark bands 8.Abdomen- 8 segments 3
4.Legs- 3 thoracic legs and 4 pro legs 9.Color-brown to gray color
5.Wings-none 10.Other- 8
4
“3 Thoracic”
Life Cycle 4
Adult moths fly around at night and lay eggs on grass leaves or nearby plants.
The larvae feed at night on leaves and crowns and hide during the day. The “4 Prolegs”
larvae pupate in the soil. There can be several generations each year. 10 Drawing by Andrew Schaible
The Armyworm is just one of many varieties of cutworms that destroy many low-lying plants and
also lawns. These “worms” are actually the larvae of drab grayish or brownish moths. They
can rapidly do significant damage.
Identifying Characteristics:
• Larvae of some moths, usually 1 - 2” long
• Often travel together in rows
• Chew foliage of a wide variety of plants
• Most active at night
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