Armyworms

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Armyworm is the common name given to a group of caterpillars typically belonging to a couple of different genera in the Noctuidae family of moths.

The Soidiotera genus has the most commonly recognized army worms, and the top picture shows a Spodoptera ornithogalli, or yellow-striped armyworm.

Armyworms are considered major agricultural and landscape pests in most of the United States, especially the East, South and Midwest states.

When hatched, groups of caterpillars move in big groups, like armies, into plant territory, be it turf grass, corn or wheat fields. Eradicating them can be difficult.

The majority of mature armyworms, like the ones in the top and bottom pictures, are typically striped and hairless.

The bottom picture shows an army worm that has been attacked by a parasitic wasp.

© 2008. Patricia A. Michaels.