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1981 Biology and illustrated key for the identification of twenty species of economically important noctuid pests A D. Oliver

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Recommended Citation Oliver, A D., "Biology and illustrated key for the identification of twenty species of economically important noctuid pests" (1981). LSU Agricultural Experiment Station Reports. 260. http://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/agexp/260

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the LSU AgCenter at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Agricultural Experiment Station Reports by an authorized administrator of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Biology and Illustrated Key for the Identification of Twenty Species of bconomically Impor tant Noctuid Pests

A.D. C liver and J. B Chapin

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AND AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE

Center for Agricultural Sciences And Rural Dei lopment ALVIN C HARPER CHANCE. LOP AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT Sia;ION DO^E C-1 AMBERS, DIRECT "P Table of Contents Page

Introduction 3 4 Identifying Noccuid Larvae The Larval Key 6 Dichotomous Ke\ to the Larvae of 20 Species of Important Noctuid Pests Identifying Noctuid Adults 9 Summary Descriptions, Distributions, Hosts, and Seasonal Histories 9 Varieeated Cutworm, Peridroma saucia (Hiibner) 9 Granulate Cutworm, Feltia subterranea (F.) 10 () Dingy Cutworm, Feltia ducens Walker ' Black Cutworm. ipsilon (Hufnagel) 10 Claybacked Cutworm, Agrotis gladiaria Morrison 11 Palesided Cutworm, Agrotis malefida Guene'e 11 Tobacco Budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) 1- Boll worm, Heliothis zea (Boddie) '2 Cotton Leafworm, argillacea (Hiibner) .... 13 Green Cloverworm, Plathypena scabra (F.) 13 Velvetbean Caterpillar, A nticarsia gemmatalis Hiibner 13 A Giassworm. inicla infecta (Ochsenheimer) 14

Armyworm. P udaletia unipuncta (Haworth) • '4 Fall Armyworm, frugiperda (J. E. Smith)

Beet Armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) I Southern Armyworm, Spodoptera eridaniu (Cramer) 15 An Armyworm. Spodoptera sutua (Guenee) l f Yellowstriped \t my worm. (Guenee) 16 An Armyworm, (Walker) 17 An Armvworm. Spodoptera doliehos (F.) 17 Color Plates 19 Glossary of Terms 24

Bibliography . 26

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Gerald Lenhard for the photography; Michelle Schlueter and Pat MacLeod for illustrations; and

Dr. B. H. Wilson. Dr. L. D. Newsom. and Dr. J. B. Graves for reviewing the manuscript Biology and Illustrated Key for the Identification Noctuid Pests of Twenty Species of Economically Important

1 A. D. Oliver and J. B. Chapin

Introduction

plates lor This bulletin contains keys, figures, and species of noctuid cater- use in the identification of 20 Louisiana agricul- pillars and of importance to is the elon- ture. According to Webster, a caterpillar noctuid gated, wormlike larva of a butterfly or . A moths in caterpillar therefore, is the wormlike larva of the fa.mil) 3 order Lepidop- o Noctuidae is the largest family in the U species or about 30 tera, consisting oi 2.500 to 2,800 * 5 Most percent ol the in North America. Typical species are nocturnal, that is. active at night. The noctuid moths have a wingspan of 25 to 50 mm. States is the largest noctuid moth reported in the United ot black witch, Evehus odom (L.), with a wingspan smallest have a wingspread of about 1 2 cm. Some o! the '' are 25 to 50 mm long. PROLEG J^yf^S 17 to 17 mm. Typical larvae CROCHETS Manx of the most serious pests in the world belongto this family. Often referred to as worms, e.g.. ' used to place a larva in the fami 1 :utworms, armyworms, leafworms, earworms, and Fig. l. —Characteristics Noctuidae. budworms, the larvae are annual pests of many crops A .—Prothoracic segment with bisetose prespiracu'ar tubercle. rown in Louisiana. seta be- B. Abdominal segment with primarj setae onl\: 4 instars (stages) through 6 or 7 i These larvae develop hind and seta 5 below the spiracle. Proleg crochets are optimum oxer a period of about 30 to 50 days under uniordinal, uniserial, longitudinal mesoseries. conditions. The time interval between any two instars is is referred to as a stadium. When a caterpillar molts, it each other so developmental period or Because many species resembie I ) i the next instar stage and at times to make pror the last 2 or 3 closely, it will be difficult stadium It is during the development of habitat are not injury identification especially if host and nstars that most food is consumed and crop cannot be too careful in ascertaining the occurs. known. One and exact location where a caterpillar was Because of the importance ot noctuid caterpillars as time of year part ot the host fed as an its host, the growth stage and crop pest- in Louisiana, this bulletin was prepared found, the type of injury caused such as defoliation, aid to entomological consultants, farmers, and exten- upon, and boring, etc. Some species are single- sion agents in making proper identification ot 20 stem or hud others have two or more broods a year. Some species ol caterpillars which are responsible for much brooded: migrate north- the key should species are native to Louisiana; others f the crop injur} in the state. Users of more southern areas and usually do not become familiar with the external anatomy of caterpil- ward from before attempting to overwinter here. lars (Fie. 1 A-B: Fig. 2 A-E) monitoring an insect population in the field, identify them. Use of all figures and plates as indicated When collects Several species (kinds) oi worms in the ke\ to species will aid material!) in making one often be be difficult to distinguish. Some max correct identifications. which max

LSI' Baton Rouge. La 70803 Professor and Associate Professor, respectively. Department of Entomology. . uted to genetics, host species, season of year, popula- tion density, and length of time since the last molt Color characteristics aid in identification but must bo- used with caution. Because of the remarkable similarities in anatomical characteristics of caterpillars, some people do not at-

tempt to make an identification. It must be realized thai the small degree of variation in structures can be use;! B effectively in determining the species on hand

Identifying Noctuid Larvae

A larva must be placed in the correct family before species identification can be made The typical noctuid C caterpillar body is without numerous secondary setae but has primal) setae which are located in definite

patterns or locations. It has more than one pair ot abdominal prolegs. There are two setae in the Kappa group (prespiracular) on the prothorax in most species, but some exceptions exist such as the cotton leal worm which has one seta. The proleg-bearing segments have seta 4 behind and seta 5 below the spiracle on abdomi- nal segments 1-6. The proleg crochets are arranged uniserially, uniordinally, and in a longitudinal mesoseries. These family characteristics are shown in Figs. 1-5. The keys, figures, and illustrations in this paper are Fig. 2. —External anatomy of a noctuid caterpillar. of some common noctu . A. and B. \ Lateral view and B. dorsal view of typical cater- for use in the identification ot crops in pillar. DA, dorsal area; VA, ventral area; SUBD. A., subdor- caterpillars which are usual ly pests subventral sal area; SUP. A., supraspiracular area; SI BY. S., Louisiana. The information is not intended to include stripe. all species in the state but. instead, to provide brief C, Lateral view of caterpillar showing body segmentation; Tl, information on identification, hosts, season i! distor- prothorax; T2, mesothorax: T3, metathorax; PL1, first pair of each species listed. abdominal prolegs; PL2, second pair of abdominal prolegs; tion, and type of injur) caused by PL3. third pair of abdominal prolegs; PL4, fourth pair of Spodopteru sunia (Guene'e) does not occur in Louisiana dodominal prolegs; APL, anal pair of prolegs. at this time but was included in case incipient infesta- and E. Head capsules. SM.A., submedian arc; ADF.S., ad- D tions become established. frontal suture; RET. I)., reticulations, dark color; RET.L., re- Figures are not drawn to scale but are furnished • ticulations, light color; ADE.A., adfrontal area; NO RET., no structures and characteristic s reticulations. aids in finding anatomical used m making identifications. The keys and figures cannot be used to identify worms not listed in this paper. Very young larvae of most species cannot be ace

lately identified with this or any other known key. I also must be realized that hosts, egg deposition char are good aids in important pests: o hers may he incidental and present teristics. season, and larval habits stage ot de no problem. Nee... for proper identification, therefore, making identification- ot larvae in any

is a most important consideration in pest control. velopment. one Naturally, othei important factors which influence After using the key in making an identification, descr.p pest control decisions are life cycle, seasonal history, should refer to the brief sections on summary given for seasonal distribution, and resurgence potential. The tion, hosts, seasonal history, and distribution comm. less experienced entomologist will face these problems each species. Species without accepted descrip- often and may require advice from others. names are indicated by an asterisk (*) in the

Post-embryonic (after egg hatch) pigmentation of tions which follow the larval key . A glossary of some and caterpil- the bod\ wall often varies among individuals in the common terms used in describing moths copulation of a species. This variation may be attrib lars is provided at the end of the paper.

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<& 3 C ADF. S /. ' J , 06 .A © J

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Qs P / 4 characteristics. Fig. 3.—Head capsule and cuticle (skin) near vertical A.—Ad

5 The Larval Key The dichotomous key presented herein for identifica- tion of 20 noctuid larval species was prepared using as few characteristics as deemed necessary to make proper identification. Naturally, many characteristics are pos- sessed by any species which may aid in identification In using the key, one examines a specimen to find it; key characteristics and continues through the key until a description ends with the name of the insect. The group of species in the Spodopiera and especially those that were formerly in the genus Prodeniu are difficult to identify. The intraspecific variation coupled with in- terspecific overlap in anatomical characteristics cause this problem especially with Spodoptera latifascia (Walker), S. dolichos (F.), and S. eridcmia (Cramer). As a result, the key to these species of larvae is not of reared adults aided totally satisfactory . Identification in separating these problem species. Except for the fall armyworm, larvae in the genus Spodoptera are characterized by having minute setiger- ous tubercles and setae. Dark subdorsal markings ot various shapes, a spot just above the spiracle of the first abdominal segment of some species, and several Ion gitudinal stripes extending the length of the body are other general characteristics. The head capsule colora- tion also aids in separating some species. Levy and Habeck's (1973) descriptions of Spodoptera sunia (Guenee) and S. latifascia (Walker) and key to the Spodoptera larvae of the eastern was helpful in preparing the key to Spodoptera spp.

characteristics. Louisiana. Fig. 5.—Mandible, head, tubercle, and proleg preparing the key were pre- A —Mandible with molar area (MA) oh oral surface; with Most specimens used in dentes. served in alcohol. The killing, fixing, and preserving on oral surface; with de- B.—Mandible without molar area process bleached some colors from the caterpillar^ -*es. Green colors seldom remain, and as a result, species C—Mandible without definite dentes (teeth). tubercles such as the green cloverworm and infecta D. —Head capsule with conspicuous large black yellow, tan, or white ir (pinacula). (Ochsenheimer) become light abdominal seg- be con- E._First pair of abdominal prolegs (third color after preservation. Such changes must tubercles on body. ment) greatly reduced; large black sidered when identifying preserved specimens. abdominal seg- F. Abdominal prolegs about equal in size on ments 3. 4, 5, and 6.

6 Important Noctuid Pests Dichotomous Key to the Larvae of 20 Species of 2 . (Fig A) . near vertical triangle 3 . Adfrontal sutures reaching epicranial suture well below vertical triangle (Fig 3 «)•• \dfrontal sutures reaching epicranial suture with; abdominal segment, anterior abdomma ^m- s Cutide (skin) smooth; dorsal yellow spot on each conspicuous submedian arc on head capsule (Fig. 2 vellow spots most conspicuous; center of spiracle black;

} ' sauna (Hubner) (Plate I, Fig. A^ ...... Variegated cutworm, Peridroma

granules irregularly ^i^^fJ^Wy convex or bluntlyconicai with smaller 6 wall (Fig. E> . slight convex; andalmos, comiguous-likesrones in a 3 SSJt^SXnSfi about hall I abdom.nal segments retrorse (Fig. 3 D); setigerous tubercle of 4. C U bluntly conical, S • cle large as or larger . 4 B); setigerous tubercle 4 as • the "of setigerous tubercle 2 (Fig. to i, rig. Granulate cutworm, Feltui subterranea (r.) (Plate m (Fig. C) Cuticular granules strongly convex, not retrorse 3 (Fig. A) I, 2, and 3 about same size 4 p:' tubercles . 5. Setigerous .,, . . & M pl) / , e E) Dingy cutworm, Feltia ducens WalkerW (Plate i, rig. o

.... • • • C) • • the size of setigerous tubercle 2 (Fig. 4 •_ Setieeroussetigerous tubercle 1 about one-third I, Fig. G) cutworm? Agwtis ipsilon (Hutnagel) (Plate (Fig. B); dorsum segments about halt the s.ze of setigerous tubercle 2 4 6. Setigerous tubercle 1 of abdominal

1 " • • ' ' • ; ' ' _ tinned with rusty red-brown ; , : II, big. A) Claybacked cutworm, Agrotis ghuhana Morrison (Plate (Fig. A); general equal in size to setigerous tubercle 2 4 1 of abdominal segments about Setigerous tubercle "'' ' ' dorsally • • ,,' color gray laterally3 to brown V . 77 h y (Plate II, PJobig. Palesided cutworm. Agrotis malejida Guenee U

spinose (Fig. 3 F) 7 Cuticle conspicuously 9

8 TubelS apex (Fig. 4 E); mandible with molar area reaching 8 without spinules, but it present never abdominal segments 1 , 2, and Tubercles (chalazas) 1 and 2 of • . • area (Fig. B) . . • without molar 5 . one-fourth the distance to apex (Fig. 4 D); mandible _ ^ li. rig. u; Cotton bollworm, Hehothis zea (Boddie) (Plate black with large setae (Fig. 5 D * body conspicuously large and . 9 Pinacula (tubercles) on head capsule and body about one-third the size stripes, prolegs on third abdominal segment ..lender with pattern of longitudinal white •

. • (Fig. 5 E) . • • • sixth abdominal segments • of prolegs on fourth, fifth, and ; F (Plate III, Fig. A) * Cotton leafworm, Alabama argdlacea (Hubner) segment or black; prolegs on third abdominal -macula' (tubercles) on head capsule not conspicuously large

F) ' ' absent or if present, not reduced (Fig. 5 7 7- whtte77 stripeslo/w(las. tnstarinctnr a uniform green with irregular longttndmal 10. With three pair of abdominal prolegs; body without white stripes, uabra £)' (Plate 111. Fig. Cj Gree „ cloverworm ; Playpen, of abdominal prolegs With two or four pair Loopers** abdominal prolegs ' 11. With only two pair of p prolegs ' ' ' ' With four pair of abdominal 7 • 7setigerous7 tuberclesfl.w^Uc- white stripes; conspicuous medium-sized 12 Bodv slender with seven definite longitudinal reticulations, venter spiracular line; epicranium with faint spiracles light brown with dark rim ins.de pale

unmarked green to brown . ... . —— .^.^ „, Fig .E)

Bodv without seven definite longitudinal white stripes

high magnification. with micro-granules which are seen onl> with * Cuticle of fall armyworrn densely clothed

** Loopers net included m this publication. (teeth) (Fig. 5 C) ]~ 13. Mandibles without conspicuous dentes l - Mandible with definite dentes (Fig. 5 A-B) • • • y obliterated; a conspicuous broad longitudinal white 14. Dorsal setigerous tubercles minute; subdorsal markings

' with dark rim ...... • • white to light yellow ; ' _.; " _ stripeF laterally; spiracles y ' A grassworm, (Ochsenheimer)*** (Plate ffl. Fig. Gl subdorsal markings conspicuous; spiracles black, a Dorsal setigerous tubercles medium-sized; dark linear

legs ' ' " ' band on lateral aspect of abdominal pro ' diagonal dark r ,7 c \ Army worm, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth) (Plate IV, rig. \\ larger than spiracle; cuticle clothed tubercles (p'inacula) large, conspicuous, as large as or 1 5 Dorsal setigerous' ... • conspicuously reticulated ...... • with dense micro-granules; spiracles light brown; head Smith) (Plate IV. rig. Fall armyworm, Spodoptem fhigiperda (J. E. U

halt the size ot spiracle ( Fig. 4 F); abdominal Dorsal setigerous tubercles minute, inconspicuous, no more than smooth; mid-dorsal line usually not con- segments with variously-shaped dark subdorsal markings; cuticle

. 16 tinuous , t 11 u with definite subdorsal markings bordered ventrally b\ 16 Setigerous tubercles minute; abdominal segments area of mesothorax; cuticle shiny smooth; head longitudinal white stripe; dark spot usually in supraspiracular

light adfrontals • • • • • •_ dart; brown with conspicuous reticulations and Beet army worm, Spodoptem exigita (Hiibner) (Plate IV, rig. h) area of mesothorax, but usually one on the first Setigerous' tubercles small; no dark spot in supraspiracular ...... abdominal segment ; by dark spot on the^ with prominent yellow-brown subspiracular line usually interrupted 1 7 Abdominal segments posterior large as or larger than spiracles within dark area just first abdominal segment; an oval white mark as taint 2 to 6; head capsule light brown with very and slightly dorsal to spiracle on abdominal segments

' ' ' ' ' ' reticulations ; y V r- ,7m niv, rig. uir , Southern armyworm, Spodoptem eridama (Cramer) (Plate present, it passes ventral Abdominal segments without prominent yellow-brown subspiracular line or if line is to dark spot on first abdominal segment f i markings with conspicuous white mark near mesal point of triangle, ' 8 Dark semicircular or triangular subdorsal mottled wit i abdominal segments 1 to 6; venter an oval white mark within dark area posterior to spiracle on reticulations. (Species presently does not occur in flecks of pink, white, and yellow; head brown with lighter

' ' " ' Louisiana) ' I . , :; Spodoptem sunia (Guenee)' ' (Plate V. Fig. A) point; no oval white mark in definite dark Dark subdorsal markings without conspicuous white mark near mesal to area posterior to spiracle on abdominal segments 1 6 dark subdorsal markings on abdominal segments with 19 Dark triangular, subdorsal markings on mesothorax; interrupted narrow white lines between spiracles and irregular narrow white line passing through; numerous adfrontals; lateral epicranium lightei subdorsum; head capsule dark brown to black with conspicuously white

' ' ' ' ', > brown - (PlateD1 vv, ng.P r Yellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptem ornithogcdh (Guenee) dark subdorsal markings on Dark subdorsal markings on mesothorax more or less semicircular or rectangular; more or less small white spots between abdominal segments without white lines passing through; numerous lighter reticulations • • spiracle and subdorsum; head brown to dark brown with and usually much smaller than subdorsal ^0 Dark subdorsal markings on mesothorax more or less semicircular brown with lighter reticulations. markings on eighth abdominal segment; head capsule more or less uniformly

' ' ' ' adfrontals tan . . ,1','™ ; w c C x Spodoptem latifascia (Walker)*** (Plate V, Fig. E) or trapezoidal in shape and about same *\k Dark subdorsal markings on mesothorax more or less triangular white adfrcmt als to fuscous with lighter reticulations and as marks on eighth abdominal segment; head brown Spodoptem dohchos (¥.) (Plate V, Pig. U

*** No accepted coni'non name for tnese species.

8 Identifying Noctuid Adults medium-sized, and Moths are usually heavy-bodied, present, and the labial palpi dull colored. Ocelli are the front. In the front extend to or beyond the middle of to be tour-branched be- wino the cubitus vein appears than to vein Ml cause vein Mo arises closer to vein M , is present, the subcosta In the hind wine, the frenulum distance just beyond the and radius veins fuse for a short before the middle ot base of the wing and separate well vein may appear to be three- A the discal cell, the cubitus vein M-> may be absent or or four-branched because veins (Fig. 6 A). p. i. present, and there are two anal families similar to Arctiidae and Aganstidae are but most species are Noctuidae in wing venation, families may be mistak- briehtly colored. Several other by certain char- en lor noctuids but can be separated Lasiocampidae lack acteristics—Liparidae lack ocelli, three anal veins in the hind a frenulum, Pyralidae have wings ot Geo- wino, and the cubitus vein in the front three-branched. metridae and Notodontidae appears this paper Adults of the caterpillar species covered in wish to collect were described for use by those who may collecting is that they them in light traps. A difficulty in some ot which must be separated from all other moths, a.d. reported may be similar in appearance. Forbes ( 1954) extremely homogeneous B that :he family Noctuidae was natural or conve- used to identify noctuid moths. and difficult to subdivide in either a pjo 6 —Wing characteristics moth. BA, basal areole; D, given to these species for these \ -Wing venation of a typical nient way. No keys are subcosta; frenulum. Longitudinal wing veins: Sc. wine pattern description and diagram discal cell; F, two reasons. The radius; Rs. radial sector; Mi to Ma, R, to R„ branches of the The lines from the base cub.tus; of Forbes ( 1954). branches of the follows that branches of the media; Cu, and Cu„ basal, antemedial, median, to the apex of the wing are 2A and 3A, 2nd and 3rd anal veins. an- orbicular moth, b.l., basal line; a.l., postmedial. subterminal, and terminal. The B -Wing pattern of a typical p.l., postmedial line; s.l., the middle and end ot the temedial line; m.l., median line; and reniform spots are at re- terminal line; o„ orbicular spot; r., the elongate claviform subterminal line; t.l., discal cell, respectively, and basal dash; m.d., median niform spot; c. claviform spot; b.d., behind the orbicular spot. The basal dash spot is located a.d., anal dash. antemedial dash; extends from the base of the wing to the the antemedial and line, the median dash lies between extends trom the postmedial lines, and the anal dash B). If postmedial through the subterminal lines (Fig. 6 scales forming the moths are not handled carefully, the be necessary wine pattens will be removed, and it will genitalia for moth identifi- to "se characteristics of the (unlike other cutworms cation. dian arcs distinct. Skin smooth with setigerous tubercles discussed in this paper) and spots down the minute. A senes of yellow circular pronounced on anterior back (mid-dorsum) but most with Spiracles entirely blacK or Summary Descriptions, Distributions, Hosts, abdominal segments. center brown. and Seasonal Histories nar- Summary description of adult: Male antennae filiform distally; Variegated cutworm, Peridroma saucia (Kubner) rowly serrate basally. apparently filiform. Front wing with (Plate I, Figs. A and B) female antennae, apparently postmedial marked in black on the Adfrontal sutures lines from basal to description of larva: large, Summary posteriorly; reniform spot reticulations of costa, often fading almost reaching the vertical triangle; nar- orbicular spot nearly round, both coloring may be limited kidney-shaped; head fuscous or ferruginous; brown o; with black. Color variable— ocellar region; subme- rowly outlined to submed m area and mesal to reddish-brown with spots similarly colored, or orbicu- the soil surface and by climbing and feeding on foliage usually hide during the da\ be- lar spot lighter; or blackish anteriorly and clay-colored and terminals. They posteriorly with spots blackish; or brown, paler along neath clods of soil and field debris as four to six generation- the costa and subterminally with reniform spot darker Seasonal history: As many and orbicular spot often lighter. Hind wing dirty occur annuall) in Louisiana. Although larvae are often overwinter primarih white, veins and margins darker. found during winter months, they six to seven larval mstar- Distribution: This cutworm is distributed throughout as pupae in the soil. There are development. Time Louisiana, which require 35 to 50 days for Hosts: The variegated cutworm has a wide range of required from egg to adult is about 65 days. Adults ha\ e year. hosts. High populations build up in the winter legume been collected in all seasons of the crops such as , winter , and vetch. Infesta- tions have been sufficient in parts of the Red River Valley to cause stand loss in seedling cotton in past years. Larvae may feed day or night and rest on soil Dingy cutworm, Feltia ducens Walker

si faces or on host plants. (Plate I, Figs. E and F) Seasonal history: Adults of the variegated cutworms Summary description of larva: The head character- are active most of the year in Louisiana, although istics are very similar to the granulate cutworm. Body more have been collected in late spring. Four to five characterized by granulose cuticle, with larger granules generations occur annually in the state with highest conspicuously convex and small granules interspersed Larval populations appearing in April and May. The among larger ones, and setigerous tubercles 1 and 2 ot winter is passed primarily as pupae. equal size. Dorsum ferruginous to gray in color, usuallv with a dark V-shaped marking on the posterior dorsum of each abdominal segment; a broad, pale central area Granulate cutworm, Feltia subterranea (F.) contrasting with darker area along supraspiracular area, (Plate I, Figs. C and D) especially on anterior half of segments. Summary description of larva: Adfrontal sutures al- Summary description of adult: Antennae of male most reaching vertical triangle: head capsule light narrowly pectinate basally. apparently filiform distally; brown with submedian arcs darker brown; brown of female, apparentlv filiform. Front wing with costal, reticulations ventral to submedian arcs. Cuticle subterminal, and posterior areas light grav -brown granulose: granules isolated, bluntly conical, and pro- frosted with white: median and terminal areas dark ject in retrorse (projecting slightly posteriorly). gray-brown; white fragments of basal and antemedial cell; veins finely black Setigerous tubercle 1 about half the size of setigerous lines visible below the discal

tubercle 2. Spiracles black with brown near center. with whitish streaks on each side, very prominent Dorsal area of body flecked with irregular dark brown above and below the cell: postmediai and terminal areas

pi gmentation. General color of larva gray to dusty but with dark brown wedges between the veins; orbiculai flecked ventrally with white. spot V-shaped, open to costa, and both it and reniform Summary description of adult: Recognized by the spot partly filled with dark scales; claviform spot elon black bar between the usually pale orbicular and reni- gate, extending almost opposite reniform. Hind wing form spots. Antennae of male narrowly pectinate basal- dirty white, darker along veins and margins, or some ly, apparently filiform distally; of female, apparently times dusted with brown in females. filiform. Forewing of male beige, shaded with black, Adults of this species may be confused with speci- darker subapically along the costa and at the base; lines mens of Agrotis gladiaria Morrison. However, tht usually indistinct; claviform spot elongate or absent. male antennae are broadly pectinate, and the orbicular Forewing of female blackish usually with a pale area spot is round or elongate and sometimes reduced in tlu behind the costa extending to the orbicular spot and an claybacked cutworm. The dingy cutworm moth also irregular pale subapical band. Hind wing off-white, resembles F. herilis (Grote). a few specimens oi veins and margin sometimes pale brown. which have been collected in Baton Rouge and Distribution: The granulate cutworm may be found Franklin in October and November. distributed in throughout Louisiana. It is most abundant in the more Distribution: This species is widely to be southern areas and is one of the most important cut- North America. In Louisiana, it is most likely worm species in Louisiana, ranking first among the found in the most northern parishes. cutworms as a pest of many vegetable crops. Hosts: The dingy cutworm is most often found in Hosts: Granulate cutworms feed on a wide range of legumes, especially in northwest Louisiana. plants, especially legumes and vegetables. Some years Seasonal history: There is one generation per year of

this inse^' is responsible for stand loss in and this species It overw inters as a partially grown larva pt pper fields. Larvae feed by cutting off seedlings near Adults issue primarilv in late August and September. Each spiracle set in the dark supraspiracular coloration. Black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) Summary description of adult: Male antennae (Plate I, Figs. G and H) broadly pectinate. Forewing of male light brown, description of larva: Adfrontal sutures al- Summary marked with darker brown and black; veins narrowly reaching vertical triangles; head capsule brown, most black, pale on each side; antemedial line double, visible varying to lighter brown at sides and generally fuscous onl> near the costa and beneath the cell; subterminal with reticulations except along lateral frontal arms line consisting of pale dots, each preceded by a black where dark brown bars lie. Cuticle granulose, granules wedge; orbicular spot round or elongate, pale, some- strongly convex, isolated, not pointed or in retrorse, times reduced to a black dot; reniform spot large and small granules interspersed among larger ones. dark; claviform spot elongate and dark. Hind wing dirty Setigerous tubercle 1 of abdominal segments about white, veins and margins darker. No females were one-third as large as setigerous tubercle 2; setigerous available for examination. than the spiracles. Spiracles tubercle 4 usually larger The differences between F. ducens and A. black gladiaria are discussed under the former species. Summary description of adult: Male antennae mod- Distribution: The claybacked cutworm has been of erately pectinate in basal halt, distal half apparently more importance in northern Louisiana than in the filiform; female antennae apparently filiform. Fore- southern part of the state although it may be found wing of male clay-colored, shaded with darker brown, statewide. An outbreak in southwest Louisiana re- basal two-thirds; a black reddish-brown, or black in ver- ported by Rings and Arnold ( 1977) could not be dash extending from the outer margin of the reniform ified by a literature search. spot which is more heavily outlined in the lower half Hosts: The claybacked cutworm has a relatively large giving a sickle-shaped appearance; orbicular spot round host range. In Louisiana this insect feeds mostly on tea r-shaped; claviform spot an elongate oval. Fe- to legumes, corn, small grains, and vegetables. The lar- male forewing similar to male but blackish in basal vae are active at night and hide during the day in earthen two-thirds and clay-colored beyond, sometimes paler at tunnels near host plants. This species is less important base. Hind wing dirty white, darker along wing veins economically than the granulate or black cutworms. and margins. Seasonal history: The cla> backed cutworm develops Distribution: The black cutworm occurs throughout one generation annually. Unlike most other caterpillar Louisiana. It is one of the most widely distributed species, this insect overwinters as a partially grown species of cutworms. larva. Adults are active in late summer and early fall Hosts- This is one of the two most important species of depositing eggs among host vegetation. Eggs hatch in cutworms in Louisiana. It feeds on a wide variety of lOto 12 days in the fall. Larvae mature in the spring and plant species, especially corn and a variety of truck enter an estivating diapause until pupation in the late crops. In recent years it has attracted increasing atten- summer. Larvae develop through six or seven instars in tion as a pest of seedling cotton and soybeans in about 300 days. Total life cycle requires ibout 1 year. Louisiana. This worm tends to carry cut-off plant parts into its burrow which is likely to be in moist firm soil. The burrows. 3 to 4 inches long, serve as the daytime Palesided cutworm, Agroiis malefida Guenee home and foi food storage. (Plate II, Figs. C and D) Seasonal history: Five to six overlapping generations description of larva: Adfrontal sutures ex- may occur annually in Louisiana. There may be six to Summary to vertical triangle; head distinctly reticu- seven larval instars requiring 25 to 60 days for de- tend almost fuscous coloration not limited to submedian arcs. velopment. The total life cycle requires 40 to 65 days. late, granules small, slightly convex, con- Larvae may be found from March to December. They Skin granulose; appear like stones in a wall. Secondary overwinter primarily as pupae in the soil. Adults may tiguous, and

Setigerous tubercle 1 of abdominal be collected my month during the vear. granules absent. segments about equal in size to setigerous tubercle 2. Spiracles in pale supraspiracular coloration. Claybacked cutworms, Agroiis gladiaria Morrison Summary description of adult: Antennae of male (Plate II. Figs. A and B) narrowly pectinate basally, apparently filiform distally; male Jay- Summary description of larva: Adfrontal sutures ex- of female, apparently filiform. Forewing of with black along veins with an area tend to near vertical triangle; head distinctly reticulate; colored, streaked claviform spots fuscous coloration not limited to submedian arcs. behind the costa and the reniform and elongate and pale or with a dark Cuticolar granules very small, flat to slightly convex, blackish; orbicular spot similar to male or iarker. and nearly contiguous like stones in a wall, without center. Forewing of female of male white; of female vhite, darker secondary granules. Setigerous tubercle 1 of abdominal Hind wing segments about half the dze of setigerous tubercle 2. aloniz veins and margin^ Distribution: This cutworm may be found throughout Hosts: The tobacco budworm, as its name implies,

Louisiana but is most likely to be found in the northern feeds on buds, leaves, and seed heads of host plants part of the state. In Louisiana, it is a major pest of cotton. Infestations Hosts: Larvae feed on several important crops includ- have also been found on , clover, and many wild ing cotton, cole crops, potatoes, and legumes. They hosts. It is not a pest of corn. Its high degree of resis- also form burrows in the sod in which to live during the tance to pesticidal chemicals makes it a very formida- day and to store food ble pest when high populations develop. seasonal history: The palesided cutworm has four to Seasonal history: Occurrence of the tobacco bud- five generations in Louisiana. They overwinter primar- worm closely coincides with that of the cotton

early as although it generally attacks cotton earlier i as bollworm, i v as pupae , although moths can be collected March in the Baton Rouge area. The six to seven than the bollworm. One generation requires about 50 larval instars require about 60 days to develop. An days. Larvae may be collected from clover in earh entire life cycle requires about 75 days. spring. Three to four generations may develop during a crop year.

Tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.)

(Plate II, Figs. E and F) Corn earworm, cotton bollworm, tomato fruitworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie) Summary description of larva: The tobacco bud- (Plate II, Figs. G and H) worm is very similar to the corn earworm in having a

spinose cuticle, but in addition, chalazas 1 and 2 on Summary description of larva: The corn earworm

abdominal segments I, 2, and 8 are spinose. This (or tomato fruitworm or cotton bollworm) is one of the species can be distinguished from the corn earworm as most important lepidopterous pests in the . It third or later instar larvae by the presence of micro- has, uniquely, been given three common names. spines on the chalaza and a molar area on the oral There is no molar area on the mandible, a characteris- surface of the mandible, characteristics not found on tic which aids in distinguishing it from the tobacco tne corn earworm. budworm. The head capsule is light brown. The body Summary description of adult: Antennae filiform. color varies greatly among populations from greens Front wing pale olive with three narrow, dark, oblique and yellows to pinks and browns. The species is also bands, the antemedial and postmedial bands preceded characterized by having a spinose cuticle and large by paler ones, the median band usually without one; prominent, dark-colored setigerous tubercles 8 dark shade of postmedial band not extending into ex- (chalazas) 1 and 2 on abdominal segments 1, 2, and treme apex of wing: reniform spot .outlined by dark which do not bear microspines. scales, indented distally. Hind wing white with a Summary description of adult: Antennae filiform. reddish-brown border, much less distinct and complete Forewing of male cream-colored with an olive or in males. orange cast, markings usually less distinct than in This species is very similar to H. subflexus female; forewing of female light yellow-brown, (Guene'e). Todd (1978) pointed out the differences in shaded with orange or brown, particularly in subter- the wing patterns of the two species. In H. subflexus, minal area; lines usually indistinct; postmedial lint the pale band before the dark median band is as distinct deeply waved, often marked by brown and white dots as those preceding the antemedial and postmedial on veins; terminal line a row of brown dots between bands; the dark shade of the postmedial band extends to the veins; orbicular spot faint, usually with a brown the extreme apex of the wing, usually ending in a darker dot in center; reniform spot usually more distinct, patch of scales; the reniform spot is not completely brownish. Hind wing cream-colored, usually with outlined with dark scales, and the distal margin is veins and a broad external margin brown with two pale straighter. Both species have a terminal row of dots marginal spots. between the veins, the most conspicuous one being at Distribution: The orn earworm is distributed the apex Males usually have uniformly white hind throughout Louisiana. wings while in females the hind wings have a more or Hosts: This species has many host plants. Some of the less complete blackish-brown border. Males of these more important crops attacked by it are corn, to- two species are easily separated by differences in male matoes, cotton, alfalfa, clover, soybeans, chrysan genitalia (Brazzel etal., 1953; Forbes, 1954). The wing themums, peas, peppers, and sorghum. pattern of Schinia trtfascia Hubner is similar to that of Seasonal history: The corn earworm overwinter H. virescens and H subflexus.. but the spines on the primarily as pupae in the soil. In early spring larvae front tibiae are stouter and more flattened. can be found in various and many wild hosts ir

Distribution: This species is generally distributed the state. Within a growing season four to five genera-

throughout Louis ; ana. tions develop within the boundaries of Louisiana. wing with lower half of postmedial line of raised, Cotton leafworm, Alabama argillacea (Kubner) usually black scales, more obvious in male; orbicular (Plate III, Figs. A and B) and reniform spots reduced to a tuft of scales. Front The head capsule is Summary description of larva: wing of male grayish-black, somewhat paler beyond black setigerous brown with large conspicuously postmedial line. Front wing of female mottled black, vary markedly in color, [macula. Late instar larvae gray, and brown; base of wing to postmedial line are green with yellow especially dorsally. Light forms blackish, or blackish anteriorly and brownish-gray markings dorsally. markings; dark forms have black posteriorly, followed by a paler mottled V-shaped area white stripes extending There are several longitudinal extending to anterior apical margin; distal part of wing most conspicuous charac- the length of the body. The often darker, sometimes with black median and anal large black setigerous teristics of these larvae are the dashes and a black line between the orbicular and ren- the body. Also, the first pair tubercles (pinacula) over iform tufts. Hind wing dark brown or gray and much one-third the size of abdominal prolegs are reduced to wider than front wing. An extra of the second, third, and fourth pairs. Distribution: The green cioverworm is found located between setigerous tubercle (pinaculum) is throughout Louisiana. black. setigerous tubercles 2 and 4. Spiracles are Hosts: This species can be collected from most Antennae apparently Summary description of adult: legumes and many other plants. sometimes with filiform. Front wing yellow-brown, Seasonal history: The green cioverworm is usually antemedial, median, olive hue; all lines incomplete; active from February to November, but in southern single, dark brown, sometimes year. and postmedial lines areas of the state it is active throughout the As orbicular spot a minute white with a few white scales; many as six generations occur annually. hori- point surrounded by darker scales; reniform spot scales; zontal, oval, filled with dark brown and white male swollen at base. Hind wing dirty white, costa of Velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis margins. sometimes darker along Hubner Distribution: The cotton leafworm moths migrate into (Plate III, Figs. E and F) Louisiana and other southern states from South and America. The northward annual distribution is Central Summary description of larva: Head, adfrontals, limited as larvae feed only on cotton and closely re- and front an almost uniform light brown with lighter lated plant species. reticulations. Mandible with two basal teeth shelflike. the cotton Hosts: Cotton is the one well-known host of Setigerous tubercles medium to large in size with light of for leafworm. Before the extensive use one- brown setae. Setigerous tubercles 1 and 3 about the boll .weevil and protecting cotton against setigerous third the size of 2 on meso- and metathorax; bollworm, this species was a serious defoliator of cot- of equal size on abdominal seg- Adult tubercles 1, 2, and 3 ton and also stained the fiber with excrement. 1 about half the size ments 1 to 6; setigerous tubercle female moths have occasionally damaged peaches and abdominal segments 7 and 8. Longitudinal to feed of 2 on grape;- in . The proboscis is equipped white stripes extend length of body; stripe just ventral on soft fruit prolegs to spiracular line light yellow; venter above Seasonal history: Two generations usually develop between tan to green; spira- sum- brown; prolegs and area on coiton in Louisiana. It is usually mid- to late cles tan to brown with brown peritreme. mer when moths arrive in cotton fields. Summary description of adult: Antennae apparently filiform. Wings alike, pattern very variable —tan, Green cioverworm, Plathypena scabra (F.) gray-brown, or gray, sometimes with orange or violet diagonal line (Plate III, Figs. C and D) tints, variously mottled and shaded; a apical margin of front Summary description of larva: The head capsule is extending from or near anterior margin beyond the middle and continued without marks. The slender caterpillar is uniformly wing to inner or has three across middle of hind wing; this line yellow- green It has features similar to loopers but preceded and sometimes followed by pairs of prolegs on abdominal segments 4 to 6. The orange-brown, sub- stripes sometimes replaced by a dark stripe; last instar larva lacks the longitudinal white dark brown, usually obscure, sometimes represented whicfe are conspicuous on earlier instars. Setae are terminal line flanked by dark scales, in hind wing often relatively large and white and arise from definite sub- by pale dots two conspicuous dark spots. Front wing conical tubercles with normal skin color The spiracles preceded by elongate paler area at distal end of costa; are body color with a brown outer rim. The venter is often with dot; reniform spot larg^ but green orbicular spot a black male heavily tufted; Summary description of adult: Antennae apparently usually obscure. Front coxa of tibia with elongate brush of hair filiform. Lab..J. palpi lung, extending forward. Front middle :

There are three to four generitKsas Distribution: The velvet be an caterpillar migrates into Seasonal history: annually in Louisiana, and adults are present thnxipr the United States from Central and South America high percent parasitism apparcsih each year. Severe larval infestations rarely develop out the year. A populations to low numbers. No epiderr**: north of central Louisiana, , and Alabama. holds the reported in Louisu=£ However, moths have been collected much further infestation has been found or years. north. during the past 25 Hosts: Infestations have been common on soybeans in Pseudalefia unipuncia (Haworrh) recent years, but serious outbreaks are cyclical occur- Armyworm, IV, Figs. A and B) ring at intervals of 6 to 7 years. Historically, this (Plate caterpillar was a defoliator of velvetbeans, a crop not Summary description of larva: Unlike most caterpii grown extensively today. lars, the armyworm is a species without definite teeth infested Seasonal history: Soybeans may become on the cutting surface of the mandible, but two rela- genera- with this caterpillar in early summer with three tively even cutting edges are apparent on each tions of caterpillars developing during the growing mandible. Submedian arcs fuscous lateral to adfrontal to be se- period. Late-planted beans are most likely sutures; reticulations brown to black and covering verely injured. head capsule except an area mesal to ocellar region.

Cuticle is smooth with small setigerous tubercles. Ab- A grassworm, Anicla infecta (Ochsenheimer)* dominal prolegs with lateral dark gray to brown bana (Plate in, Figs. G and H) extending diagonally down from anterior to posterior. Summary description of adult: Antennae apparent!) Summary description of larva: Like the true ar- filiform. Front wings beige to orange-brown dusied myworm, this caterpillar has mandibles without teeth with black scales; orbicular and reniform spots pale on the cutting margin and no ribs on the oral surface. obscure; a white dot usually preceded and followed by There may be fine serrations on the cutting margin of black scales at lower end of reniform; postmedial lir the mandible. Head color gray with dark submedian reduced to black dots along the veins; a dark oblique arcs and light reticulations; reticulations merge an- line from the anterior apical wing margin to postmed- teriorly to form three to five dark lines; narrow nearly ial line, paler above and darker below; often with a white stripe on and caudal to the antennal base; spira- row of black dots between the veins along the margin. cles white with dark rims. Cuticle smooth with color Hind wing dirty white, darker along the wing vein varying—many shades of gray, yellow, or green and and margins. This moth is similar in appearance to some brown; black flecks usually present; a broad lon- adults of several Leucania species. gitudinal, almost white, subventral, well-defined Distribution: The armyworm is distributed through- stripe bordered ventrally by a darker-shade. Each seg- out Louisiana with especially high populations de- ment from mesothorax to eighth abdominal with a pair veloping in the spring. of dorsal white spots located just lateral to center of Hosts: The armyworm by preference feeds on grasses dorsum of segments and bordered with black; setiger- and small grains. The larvae tend to concentrate ous tubercles small and inconspicuous. thick stands of grass and in areas where plants have Summary description of adult: Antennae apparently lodged to form a dense canopy. Most serious popu!. filiform. Basal half of collar dark brown to black. tion build-ups observed in Louisiana have been in the Front wing pale gray flecked with black and reddish- Ouachita and upper Mississippi River valleys, where brown; antemedial and postmedial lines black, inter- wheat and oats were primary hosts. The fact that the rupted, often faint or absent; terminal area of wing larvae tend to cut off seed-heads makes it a serious reddish-brown; subterminal line and anterior apical pest in grain fields. patch pale; orbicular spot outlined with reddish- Seasonal history: Some years, hordes or armies of brown, often absent; reniform spot outlined with this species build up in the spring and cause extensive reddish-brown and filled with irregular black spots, loss in grain yields. There are three to four generations outline sometimes fragmented and spots reduced. annually. The winter is passed primarily as pupae in Hind wing white, narrowly brown along the margins the soil. A few larvae can be found in December and and part of the way up veins. This species is very January. In February larvae are often found in large similar to some species of . numbers in dense rye grass and small grain field? Distribution: This species is generally found in gras- Large injurious populations of late instar larvae may ses throughout Louisiana. occur from late March into May. Larval populations Hosts: Larvae have been collected from various are generally very low during other times of the year. grasses, especially coastal Bermudagrass. It is prob- A generation develops in about 60 days. Parasites and ably a general grass feeding insect. predators are probably responsible for low populations

No common accepted name for these species. after the spring brood matures. infestations develop in summer and early fall, espe- Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) Fall armyworm, in cially if biological control agents fail to develop (Plate IV, Figs. C and D) sufficient quantities to suppress the populations. In of larva: The head capsule is applied control Summary description most years, it is necessary to use direct partially covered with darker corn lenerally brown and to prevent economic injury especially on young with narrow submedian brown to black reticulations and pasture grasses. adfrontal areas. The areas and light tan to near white microscopic granules, (Hubner) cuticle is clothed with dense Beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua or larger than the letigerous tubercles are as large as (Plate IV, Figs. E and F) and generally spiracles, unlike other Spodoptera spp., overall body color description of larva: The beet armyworm dark gray to brown in color. The Summary may be rela- with the fall armyworm. The head is varies within a population. Some larvae is often confused others appear to be conspicuous dark reticulations. However, tively light green to brown whereas brown with along cuticle with small setigerous almost black except for longitudinal white lines the very smooth shiny The mid-dorsal more than half the size of the spiracles, the subdorsal and subspiracular areas. tubercles, no very venter is tan fall armyworm are large, dark, and narrow white line is not continuous. The which on the true ar- separate the two species. Color with yellow and reddish flecking. Unlike the conspicuous, serves to teeth on the among beet armyworm larvae myworm, all species of Spodoptera have also varies markedly almost black dorsum. There mandibles. from a light green to an markings on Summary description of adult: Antennae filiform. are more or less linear dark subdorsal but with There are usually five inter- Front wing of male similar to S. ornithogalli each abdominal segment. with upper half lines down the dorsum lateral to a much less contrast in shades, generally rupted narrow white and lower stripe, a continuous white line sub- of wing in dark shades of gray and brown central dark gray or brown, another just ventral to the spiracles. A half to postmedial line or beyond pale gray dorsally, and orbicu- supraspiracular area of the mesothorax an oblique white bar in anterior apical corner; dark spot in the outlined by most larvae but may be obscure in lar spot oblique, pale brown, narrowly is characteristic of with White to light yellow spots dark scales, outer margin sometimes confluent dark or very light forms. the spiracles especially on dark oblique pale shade which usually extends from occur just dorsal to the a white spot is light green and mottled with ir- costa to Cur, reniform indistinct with forms. The venter thorax dark gray. Front white lines. beneath it. Ventral surface of regular short in- of adult: Antennae filiform. wing of female dark brownish gray, lines usually Summary description narrowly brownish gray marked with dark distinct; orbicular spot obliquely elongate, Front wing light dark cen- lines usually indistinct, or- outlined in black with a pale rim around the brown and white scales, a partial narrow cream-colored or with orange cen- ter. Hind wing translucent white with bicular spot round, 25 black border, veins often dark distally. Wingspread ter; yellow-striped indistinct, filled with ground color. Hind to 35 mm. Males are most similar to eniform spot brown. armyworm males, and females are sometimes con- wing white, veins and wing margin armyworm occurs over the en- fused with beet armyworms. Distribution: The beet not pest of cotton in Central Distribution: The fall armyworm generally does tire state. It is a common in extreme overwinter in the United States, except America. beet armyworms have been southern coastal areas. The collection of numerous Hosts: In Louisiana, in late of cotton, alfalfa, and larvae from Chinese cabbage in Baton Rouge troublesome as defoliators on various weeds. becemfeer, 1979, indicates that some years this insect crucifers. This worm also feeds winter is passed may survive a mild winter. However, migration into Seasonal history: Although the contributes to larvae have been collected the Mate from more southern areas primarily as pupae, many the in mid-December. higher populations. Successive moth flights during from cole crops at Baton Rouge each in March in Mississippi summer result in infestations over the entire state Larvae have been collected in several areas of north year. and from cotton and alfalfa feeder. It are at least four genera- Hosts: The tall armyworm is a general grass Louisiana in summer. There pasture gras- is one of the most serious pests of corn, tions annually. ses, and small grains in the state. It was troublesome soybeans in 1980. The lar- in some fields of seedling Southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) called grassworms and also corn vae are sometimes (Plate IV, Figs. G and H) budworms because they feed on the whorl of young Summary description of larva: Head capsule light corn plants. faint, inconspicuous reticulations. There may be up to four broods brown with Seasonal history: Ah- Setigerous tubercles inconspicuous, setae small. during the growing season in Louisiana. Most serious dominal segments with dark subdorsal markings more This species is very similar to 5. eridania. but in 5 or less triangular; a narrow, almost continuous mid- sunia the fine black basal dash is more distinct and the dorsal white stripe and a prominent yellowish sub- oblique white mark across the posterior apical comer spiracular longitudinal stripe interrupted by a dark spot is less elongate. The genitalia of the two species are on first abdominal segment. Large white spot usually different. just posterior and dorsal to spiracle. Distribution: This species does not presently occur in Summary description of adult: Antennae of male Louisiana. Infestations have been detected in south finely serrate; of female, filiform. Front wing streaked . Larvae examined were collected from cotton with cream, gray, light brown, and black, usually in .

without a fine dark basal dash and with an elongate Hosts: This species is apparently a serious defoliator oblique white mark across the posterior apical corner; of cotton in Central America. reniform spot usually evident as a dark spot, some- times followed by a black band extending to outer margin. Hind wing white with few dark marks on Yellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptera ornithogalli margin. (Guenee) Distribution: This species may be found over the en- (Plate V, Figs. C and D) tire state but especially in the southern half. Summary description of larva: Common characteris- It is a Hosts: The southern armyworm has many hosts. tics used by some people to distinguish this species are serious pest of sweetpotatoes, tomatoes, and chrysan- the conspicuously white adfrontal areas and fuscous themums in Louisiana. It has also been collected from head capsule with lighter brown reticulations on the leguminous crops, cotton, cucurbits, crucifers, and lateral epicranium. Body color varies among larvae of various weeds. this species. Elongated, triangular, dark subdorsal as Seasonal history: This armyworm overwinters areas with a white line passing through arc usually are four to five generations annually pupae. There present on abdominal segments 1 through 8. Ventral to activity in early spring. Larvae have with first adult the dark subdorsal area is a bright yellow longitudinal been collected during the entire growing season and in stripe within which are usually three to four irregular November from in greenhouses. narrow white stripes. Spiracles arc light brown with black rims located in the ventral edge of a dark

spiracular band. Abdominal segment 1 usually has a An armyworm, Spodoptera sunia (Guenee)* dark circular spot laterally which may be obliterated in (Plate V. Figs. A and B) late instars. Summary description of larva: Adfjontal areas and Summary description of adult: Antennae filiform. regulations yellowish to brown; head brown with Wing pattern complex; front wing of male light brown pale brown submedian arcs small, black, and intersected by reticu- with blue-gray or sometimes violet shades, patches in mterior la'ions. Tubercles small and yellow with very small in lower median area with white diagonal bar setae. Body color generally gray to yellow and dark and posterior apical corners; an off-white extend- brown; pinkish flecks numerous over venter. Mid- covering the narrow oblique orbicular spot and dorsal stripe broad, yellow to brown, and narrowing at ing almost to the costa and postmedial line; upper par at lower each end to bisect the prothoracic shield and suranal of reniform spot pale, middle brown, veins apical margin sepa- plate. Dorsum mottled with gray, brown, and black. end white; black crescents along female Each subdorsal dark marking possessing a distinctive rate from preceding white line; front wing of white inner (mesal) spot or mark which distinguishes similar; pattern more subdued, blue-gray in lower me- dian area. Hind wing translucent white usually with the species from all others in Spodoptera . Spiracles 32 to oval, brown to black with lighter centers and black narrow border and veins blackish. Wingsprcad. peritremes with outer white margins. Conspicuous 43 mm. white spot just posterior and dorsal to spiracle. Larvae Females of S. latifascia have often been confused the vary markedly with the white spots in the subdorsal with females of 5. ornithogalli. In S. latifascia usually triangles generally a consistent character. black crescents along the apical margin are Summary description of adult: Antennae of male connected by a stalk to the preceding white line, while finely serrate; of female filiform. Front wing streaked in S. ornithogalli the black crescents are almost al- with gray, white, light brown, and black with a fine ways separate from the the preceding white line. The black basal dash and often with an oblique white mark two species have different genitalia. across the posterior apical corner; reniform spot faint. Distribution: The yellowstriped armyworm can be Hind wing white with few dark marks on margin. found throughout Louisiana. Hosts: This species feeds on many plants. It is a gen-

* No common accepted name for these species. eral pest of garden crops and can be collected from information on the various leguminous crops, cotton, soybeans, and bed- Seasonal history: No detailed sea- this species is available. ding plants. sonal history of larvae of Seasonal history: There are four to five generations Several hundred specimens were collected from cotton September. Adults were collected from annually in Louisiana. It overwinters primarily as in August and to December 10 in Baton Rouge. pupae in the soil. Young larvae may be found among February 9 legumes and garden plants in early April.

An armyworm, Spodoptera dolichos (F.)* (Plate V, Figs. G and H) An armyworm, Spodoptera latifascia (Walker)* (Plate V, Figs. E and F) Summary description of larva: Head capsule brown with white adfrontals and light brown reticulations, Summary description of larva: Head capsule brown most conspicuous on lateral epicranium. Subdorsal with faint yellow to tan reticulations. Submedian arcs markings on mesothorax large, more or less trapezoi- brown, narrow; setae brown; tubercles small and yel- dal in shape, and about equal in size to those on eighth low to light brown. Body grayish-green to reddish- abdominal segment. Body color varies from mottled brown. Mid-dorsal stripe obscure, faintly whitish-pink gray to dark brown; supraspiracular stripe orange. on several segments with narrow stripe bisecting Spiracles brown with black rim. Lateral spot on first prothoracic and anal shields. Dorsum clothed with abdominal segment not apparent. Larvae collected in white flecks, other flecks varying from gray and early winter were light gray with a confused pattern of greenish-blue to almost black. Subdorsal markings dark subdorsal markings. Most longitudinal stripes are dark brown to black, varying from triangular to obliterated or obscure. semicircular and sometimes flecked with light mark- Summary description of adult: Antennae filiform. ings but with no white line passing through. Subdorsal Front wing pattern similar to S. ornithogalli and S. marks vary in size, shape, and location or are reduced latifascia in shades of brown washed with violet and on meso- and metathorax and abdominal segments 1 to some gray and marked with white. This species differs 7. Supraspiracular area consisting of two semi -parallel from other Spodoptera spp. in having two black and lines of equal width, the upper one consisting of three brown stripes dorsally on the thorax and in having a narrow pink and white lines on gray to brown; sub- white, usually distinct, bar extending upward and ventral area with broad tan stripe just ventral to spira- outward from the middle of the outer edge of the re- cles. Spiracles oval, brown to black with pale centers; niform spot. Wingspread, 42 to 48 mm. peritremes black with white outer margins. This spe- Distribution: This species has been collected in lim- cie-- is sometimes difficult to distinguish from ited numbers in south Louisiana. It is likely to be most Spodoptera dolichos, S. eridania, and S* ornithogalli. abundant in the Gulf Coast States and Central Summary description of adult: Antennae filiform. America. Front wing of male violet-gray, pale yellow-brown in Hosts: The larvae examined were collected from lowe r median half, and gray and white between the Chinese cabbage in Baton Rouge. Tomatoes, cotton, postmedial and subterminal lines; an off-white sweetpotatoes, tobacco, and various weeds also serve diagonal bai extending from the costa through the or- as hosts. bicular spot, fading out before the postmedial line; Seasonal history: Larvae examined were collected in reniform spot indistinct, pale yellow-brown, violet : December. Three different instars were collected indi- gray in middle; black crescents along apical margin cating that the winter may be passed as larvae and usually connected by a stalk to preceding white line. pupae. Adults were collected from May 16 to De- Front wing of female very similar to S. ornithogalli. cember 7 in Baton Rouge. Hind wing translucent white usually with a narrow darl. border, veins sometimes dark The differences between females of S. ornithogalli and S. latifascia are discussed under the former species. Distribution: This armyworm was taken from cotton

in late summer in Baton Rouge. Adults were collected in East Baton Rouge and St. John the Baptist parishes.

It is probabh a species of limited distribution in the southeastern United States. Hosts: All larval specimens examined were collected

from cotton in Baton Rouge. Levy and Habeck ( 1973) described larvae collected in Florida.

* No common accepted name for these species.

17 Plate I Adult Larva Variegated Cutworm

Figure A Fi 9 ure B

Granulate Cutworm

Figure C Fi 9 ure D

Figure G Fi 9 ure H

I 9 Plate II Larva Claybacked Cutworm

...... -^.r- Figure A Figure B

Palesided Cutworm

v v. V V r v.

Figure C

Tobacco Budworm

Figure E Figure F

Cotton Bollworm (Corn earworm, tomato fruitworm)

Figure G Figure H

20 ; a^£:«*Lft( . * Figure B Figure A

Green Cloverworm

Figure D Figure C

Velvetbean Caterpillar

Figure F

Ani la infecta

Figure G Figure H

21 Plate IV Larva Adult Armyworm

,. .. c^^fl

!

Figure B

Fall Armyworm

«

Figure D

Beet Armyworm

...... -, ...... vrv-f^v /'J |

.

Figure F

Southern Armyworm

Figure G Figure H Plate V Adult Larva Spodopfera sunia

1. •••

Figure B Figure A

Yellowstriped Armyworm

Figure D Figure C

Spodoptera Jatifasc/a

Figure F Figure E

Spodoptera do/icfios

Figure H Figure G

23 Glossary of Terms

adfrontal areas: two oblique sclerites on the front of a caterpillar head extending from near the antennal base 10 epicranial suture where they join.

adfrontal sutures: sutures (seams) between the adfrontal areas and the epicranium.

anal prolegs: prolegs on the last abdominal segment, not usually referred to as abdominal prolegs.

basal: toward the end attached to the body.

bisetose: consisting of two setae or hairs, as on a tubercle.

cervical triangle: the V-shaped space at the top of the head where the two halves of the head capsule meet

chaetotaxy: pattern of primary setae (hairs) on the body of a caterpillar.

chalaza: a scleritized elevation, tubercle, or projection of cuticle (skin) bearing one or more setae or microspines.

claviform: elongate spot located behind the orbicular spot in the front wing,

collar: two scale-covered lobes on the prothorax.

coronal suture: the stem of the Y-shaped epicranial suture which extends from the junction of the adfrontal areas lo the vertical triangle.

costa: the thickened, elevated ridge on the anterior margin of the front wing of moths,

coxa: the leg segment next to the body,

cranium: the head capsule.

crochets: the sclerotized claws or hooks on the abdominal prolegs.

1 discal eel : an area in the middle of the wing without veins,

distal: toward the end away from the body,

dorsal: the top or back of an insect.

dorso-meson: toward the center of the back or upper body,

dorsum: the back or upper surface of the body of an insect,

ecdysis: moulting or casting the skin.

epicranial suture: a suture which separates the two halves of the upper head surface including the two lateral arms, (adfronfal sutures) on either side of the front.

epicranium: the scleritized cranium exclusive of the front.

ferruginous: rusty red-brown in color.

filiform: thread-like.

frenulum: one (male) or several (female) bristles on the anterior basal edge of hind wing.

front: in larvae, part of the head bounded by the frontal and epistomal sutures.

front: in moths, the front of the head between the eyes.

frontal suture: a suture which bounds the front laterally.

fuscous: dark brown, approaching black: a mixture of red and black.

genitalia: the reproductive organs.

instar: any of several stages of development in the life of a caterpillar.

Kappa group: the seta(e) in the prespiracular group on a tubercle just anterior to the spiracle of prothorax.

larva: a caterpillar or worm.

'abial palpi: a pair of structures on thelabium (mouthparts).

lateral: on the side. mandible: the opposable appendages (jaws) of a caterpillar located beneath labium or upper lip

24 meson: the middle of the upper body or dorsum. proleg. mesoseries: refers to the crochets or hooks arranged longitudinally on the mesal side of an abdominal mesothorax: the middle or second thoracic segment. metathorax: the last or third thoracic segment. microspine: small, microscopic spine on body wall of larvae. moult: to shed the cuticle (skin). orbicular: a spot in the discal cell of the front wing. ocelli: a pair of simple eyes behind the antennae, hidden beneath hair. pectinate: comb-like. peritreme: the sclerotized rim around a spiracle. pinaculum: a small, flat sclerotized area of the body wall bearing setae, planta. the distal part of an abdominal proleg which bears the crochets, proleg: a fleshy abdominal leg bearing crochets. primary setae: setae (hairs) with a definite arrangement on the body of caterpillars. prothorax: the first segment of the thorax located immediately behind the head. reticulations: the mottled pattern of color, usually brown, white, and black, on the he^d reniform: a usually kidney-shaped spot in the discal cell of the front wing. sclerotized: hardened in definite areas. serrate, saw-like, with notched edges like saw teeth. seta: a hair. setigerous: bearing setae. spinose: possessing or covered with spines. spiracle: pore for breathing; an external opening. spiracular line: the line in which the spiracles are located. stadium: time interval between any two moults of a caterpillar. subequal: nearly or almost alike in size or structure. subdorsal: to the side of dorsal; between dorsal and lateral. submedian arc: the fuscous or dark brown to black area lateral to the adfrontal area on the head capsule, subspiracular. just below the spiracles, subventral: just above the bases of pro legs. supraspiracular: area just above the spiracles and extending to the subdorsal area,

suture: a line or seam which separates two sclerites or body plates, tibia i segment of the leg located between the femur and the tarsi (feet).

tubercle: an elevated area in the body wall usually bearing setae; pinacula and chalaza are two kinds of tubercl

uniordinal: crochets or hooks of one length,

uniserial: crochets or hooks in a single line,

venter: the bottom, belly, or undersurface.

vertical triangle: the area at the top of the head where the coronal suture terminates; cervical triangle,

wart: a tubercle.

25 Bibliography

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Crumb, G. E. 1929. Tobacco Cutworms. USDA Tech. Bull No. 88. 179 pp

Crumb G. E. 1958. The Larvae of the Phalaenidae. USDA Tech. Bull. No. 1135. 356 pp. Sta. Mem. 329. 433 Forbes, W. T. M. 1954. Lepidoptera of New York and Neighboring States. Noctuidae. Part III Cornell Agri Exp pp.

Frost. S. W. 1955. Cutworms of . Penn. Agri. Exp. Sta. Bull. No. 596. 29 pp. of America North of Godfrey. G. L. 1972. A Review and Reclassification of Larvae of the Subfamily (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) . USDA Tech. Bull. No. 1450. 265 pp. Part I. Vegetable Crops in Jones, T. M. 1918. Miscellaneous Truck Crop Insects in Louisiana. II. The Granulate Cutworm, an Important Enemy of Louisiana. USDA Bull. 703:7-14. Mature Spodoptera Levy, R. and D. H. Habeck. 1973. Descriptions of the Larvae of Spodoptera sunia and S. latifascia with a Key to the Larvae of the Eastern United States (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae* Ann. Entomol. Soc. Amer. 69(4): 595-8 (Lepidoptera McMahon, A. 1960. The Effect of Host Plants on the Development of the Granulate Cutworm, Feltia subterranea (F.) Noctuidae). M.S. Thesis. LSU. 49 pp.

O'Kumura, G. T. 1961. Identification of the Lepidopterous Larvae Attacking Cotton with Illustrated Key Special Publication No. 28^ Calif. Dept. of Agri. 80 pp.

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in the Norn Central States. Rings, R. W. and G. J. Musick. 1976. A Pictorial Field Key to the Armyworms and Cutworms Attacking Corn Agri. Res. and Dev. Center. Circ. 221. 36 pp.

Rings. R. W. 1977. An Illustrated Field Key to Common Cutworms, Armyworms and Looper Moths in the North Central States. Ohio Agn. Res. and Dev. Center Cir. 227. 60 pp. and j^ndhil! Rings, R. W. and F. J. Arnold. 1977. Geographical Distribution and Economic Importance of the Claybacked. Dingy, Dusky, Cutworms. USDA Coop. Plant Pest Rep. 2(48-52): 881-6.

Feltia mhterranea ), in Snow J. W. and P. S. Callahan. 1968. Biological and Morphological Studies of the Granulate Cutworm. and Louisiana. Georgia Agri. Exp. Sta. Res. Bull. 42: 5-23. -9 Todd.L L. 1978. Maculation Characters for Separation of the Species of the Heliothis virescem Complex. Florida Entomol. 61 (4) .

Todd, E L. and R W. Poole. 1980. Keys and Illustrations for the Armyworm Moths of the Noctuid Genus Spodoptera Guenee from th : Western Hemisphere. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Amer. 73(6): 722-738.

District of . USDA Tech. Bull. No 138 64 pp. Vickery , R. A. 1929. Studies on the Fall Armyworm in the Gulf Coast

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26