ARMY WORMS

DESCRIPTION:  the pearly white, about 0.02 in diameter eggs are deposited in masses by the female moth.  Young larvae are pale green.  Mature larvae range from 1.4 to 2.0 in long with a yellowish or gray background color and distinct longitudinal stripes on the back and side.  The head capsule is honeycombed with dark lines.  Armyworm larvae may be confused with fall armyworm larvae.  Fall armyworm larvae have a distinct white inverted Y on the front of the head capsule and four distinct black does on the dorsal side of each abdominal segment.

PEST STATUS:  Armyworm larvae feed on a wide range of grasses.  In most cases, turfgrasses are less likely to be attacked.  Young larvae feed on tender foliage near the top of the plant.  Feeding injury by the first two instars is characterized by skeletonize foliage.  When populations are high feeding produces circular bare areas in fine turfgrass.