Description:
Adult wingspan: 1.24-1.5 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 1.8 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.

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.

Yellowstriped Armyworm larva
Photo by: UGA Archives

Yellowstriped Armyworm on soybeans
Photo by: David Jones, UGA