Yellowstriped Armyworm, Spodoptera ornithogalli
(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The yellowstriped armyworm is commonly found in the eastern United States and is identified as a serious pest in southeastern states. Several natural enemies help keep populations under control, but their effects have not been quantified. There are usually three to four generations per year and the generation time is approximately 40 days. Eggs are greenish to pinkish-brown and look like flattened spheres. The larvae are variable in color, but mature larvae usually have a broad brownish band down the back with a faint white line in the center. Black triangular markings are present down the sides with a distinct white or yellow line below them. Larvae pupate in the soil and the pupae are reddish-brown. The forewings of the adult are brownish-gray with whitish bands that occur diagonally near the center of the wings. The hindwings are white with a narrow brown margin.

Vegetable crops that are commonly injured include asparagus, bean, beet, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrot, corn, cucumber, lettuce, onion, pea, potato, rhubarb, rutabaga, salsify, tomato, turnip, and watermelon. Weeds that serve as suitable hosts include castorbean, dock, gumweed, horsenettle, horseweed, jimsonweed, lambsquarters, morningglory, plantain, and pigweed. Larval consumption of plant foliage is the principal cause of damage. Fruits may also be attacked. Insecticides are commonly applied to foliage to prevent injury by larvae. Insecticidal baits may also be used to control larvae. Cultural control methods include removal of alternate hosts plants, physical barriers, and proper selection of planting sites.

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Yellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptera ornithogalli, adult.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)

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Yellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptera ornithogalli, larva.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida)

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Yellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptera ornithogalli, larva.
(Photographer: P. Choate, University of Florida)

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Yellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptera ornithogalli, larva.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida)

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