Fall Armyworm Larva
These small caterpillars can decimate your lawn
The armyworm moth is a native insect whose larvae can cause a lot of destruction to grasses and grain crops. Their larvae also cause damage to certain vegetables, such as beans, cabbage, onions, peas, sweet potatoes and more. Armyworms have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The adults look for areas of lush foliage, such as urban lawns, to lay their eggs.
Once the eggs hatch, the larvae (caterpillars) will begin feeding on your lawn and stripping your grass of it’s leaves. The caterpillars appear to “march” side by side as they chew the plants foliage, hence the name “armyworm”. The larvae are tan to green in color with a black head and white line in the center of their head.
