Australian Armyworm
Common NameAustralian Armyworm
Scientific NameMythimna convecta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorstan, brown, grey
HabitatGrasslands, pastures, cereal crops, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeAustralia
Host Plantsgrasses, wheat, barley, oats, maize, sorghum, sugarcane
Flight PeriodYear-round (multiple generations, peaks after rainfall)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on grass blades. Larvae, known as armyworms, are gregarious and can march in large numbers, causing significant damage to grasses and cereal crops. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include its drab, cryptic coloration, the presence of a small, often faint, reddish discal spot on the forewings, and its association with armyworm outbreaks in its larval stage. Distinguishing from other similar *Mythimna* species may require close examination.
Description
A medium-sized, dull brownish-grey moth with a cryptic pattern of fine speckles and a small, indistinct reddish-orange discal spot on each forewing.
