Corn earworm and tobacco budworm larval identification

From Bugwoodwiki

Bollworm Complex

These include Common Bollworm or Corn Earworm (Heliothis zea) and Tobacco Budworm (Heliothis virescens)

Eggs of both species are small (size of pin head) and hemispherical with ridges finning from the top down the sides. Color varies from white on the first day to tan with brown ring on the second day to gray with black spot on the third day. Larvae of both species are striped and very similar, with three pairs of thoracic legs, and four pairs of abdominal prolegs. Larvae grow to I 1/2 inches in length (38 mm) and color varies from green to yellow to pink to brown.

Damage is caused by small worms feeding primarily on terminal growth and larger worms damaging squares, blooms and bolls. In heavy infestations, larvae may feed on stems and foliage. Bollworm feeding on bolls increases incidence of boll rot.

Heliothis virescens
Photo by Joseph Berger, , Bugwood.org Adult moth	Photo by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org Larva	Photo by Phillip Roberts, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Retinaculum present on mandible
Heliothis zea
Photo by Steve L. Brown, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Adult moth	Photo by Russ Ottens, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Larva feeding on cotton square	Photo by Phillip Roberts, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Retinaculum absent on mandible