Spodoptera ornithogalli
From BugwoodWiki
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Description
Adult wingspan: from 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. Forewings dark with white and brown markings; hind wings white. Larvae: smooth-skinned, pale gray to jet black with yellowish-orange stripe along each side and two black triangular spots on the top of most segments. Head capsule brown with black markings and a white inverted "V". Terminal instar (6th) up to 1 4/5 inches
Hosts
Many, including alfalfa, asparagus, bean, beet, cabbage, clover, corn, cotton, cucumber, grape, grass, jimsonweed, morning glory, onion, pea, peach, peanut, sweet potato, tobacco, tomato, turnip, wheat, watermelon, and wild onion.
Photo by Natasha Wright, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org
Damage
Sporadically injures young crop stands by defoliation.
Life Cycle
Overwinter as pupae in soil. Emergence begins in early April and continues into May. Egg masses placed on foliage, trees, or buildings. Eggs hatch in about 6 days and feed for 3 weeks. Sixth instar larvae burrow into soil to pupate. Moths emerge in two weeks. Entire life cycle takes 4-6 weeks. Three to four generations per year.
Control
Seldom require control, but large larvae are difficult to control with pesticides. Early detection is important. Carbamates, organophosphates, pyrethroids, or Bacillus thuringiensis are often recommended for control.
