Fall
Armyworm: Fall armyworms attack both corn and cotton, as well
as a variety of other crops. They are distinguished from the other
armyworms found in cotton by the presence of stiff body hairs, but
beginning scouts often confuse them with bollworm/tobacco budworm.
However, a distinct inverted white
"Y" shape on the head capsule of larger fall armyworm larvae helps
readily distinguish them from bollworm and tobacco budworm (note that this "Y" shaped
area is present on all caterpillars, but it stands out distinctly on fall
armyworm because it is colored white). Fall armyworm moths are dimorphic. Female
moths are grey and unmarked, while male
moths have more distinct markings. Eggs
are deposited in masses. In cotton egg masses are usually deposited
on the undersides of leaves in the lower portion of the canopy, and larvae
disperse from the site soon after hatching. Small
larvae are most commonly found feeding on the insides of the bracts
of large bolls and this is one of the most important sites to check when
scouting for this pest. Older larvae
may be found feeding or resting in open blooms, but the primary damage
is inflicted by older larvae
feeding in large bolls.
