Corn Earworm Moth
Common NameCorn Earworm Moth
Scientific NameHelicoverpa zea
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHeliothinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorstan, brown, olive
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, grasslands, open disturbed areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, Central America, South America
Host Plantscorn, tomato, cotton, soybean, tobacco, various legumes
Flight PeriodMay to October (multivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as corn earworms, cotton bollworms, or tomato fruitworms, are highly polyphagous agricultural pests, feeding on fruits, seeds, and foliage before pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the variable tan to olive-brown forewings with a prominent dark reniform spot and a diffuse, darker subterminal band; hindwings are pale with a broad dark border.
Description
A medium-sized moth with light tan to olive-brown forewings, featuring a distinct dark reniform spot and a darker, mottled subterminal band. The hindwings are pale with a broad, dark marginal band.
