Northern armyworm
Common NameNorthern armyworm
Scientific NameMythimna unipuncta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)42.5
Primary Colorsbrown, tan
HabitatOpen fields, grasslands, agricultural areas, meadows
Geographic RangeNorth America, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, North Africa
Host Plantsgrasses, corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, alfalfa, clover
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as armyworms, are nocturnal feeders on grasses and crops, often moving in large groups. They pupate in the soil, and adults emerge to lay eggs on host plants. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsLook for the overall mottled brownish-tan coloration with numerous dark speckles. A key feature is the small, distinct white dot, often surrounded by a darker ring, located centrally on each forewing, sometimes with a dark streak extending from it.
Description
A medium-sized, stout-bodied moth with mottled brownish-tan forewings, heavily speckled with dark scales, and often featuring a small, distinctive white dot near the center.
