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Pests in the Northeastern United States

Editors: W.T. Wilsey, C.R. Weeden, and A.M. Shelton
Fall Armyworm
(Spodoptera frugiperda) - Life Cycle
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Adults:
The adult moth is similar in appearance to many of the cutworm moths. The wingspan is about 1-1/2 inches (36 mm); the hind wings are grayish white and the first pair are dark gray mottled with light and dark patches and with a noticeable whitish spot near the extreme tips.

The ability to overwinter depends on the severity of the winter, but the excellent flying ability of the moth allows the fall armyworm to migrate north every year from overwintering spots in the south and from more northern locations, such as Indiana. First generation adults can be seen flying north about May.

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Eggs:
The light gray ggs are laid on corn plants at night and hatch in about 5 days. Egg masses of from 50 to several hundred are attached directly to the host plant. These masses are covered with hair-like scales from the body of the female moth, who may lay up to 1000 eggs during her lifespan. The eggs darken just before hatching.
Larvae:
The young larvae feed in concealed locations on the corn plant such as in the whorl. Larvae become full grown (about 1-1/2 inches or 30 mm) in approximately 20 days. They vary in color from light tan or green to nearly black. Fall armyworm larvae are similar to the true armyworm in appearance but can be distinguished by the more prominent white inverted Y on the front of the head.
  Pupae:
When the larvae are full grown they leave the host plant and enter the soil to pupate. In September and early October, about two weeks after the beginning of pupation, moths emerge to lay eggs for a second generation of larvae 		 

Damage inflicted on corn by fall armyworm

Some information on this page taken from Insects of Corn: Cornell Cooperative Extension factsheet number 139VCFS790.00 authored by A. A. Muka.

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Maintained by Jason D. Plate. Last updated Mar. 8th, 2007.