Western Yellow-striped Armyworm Moth
Common NameWestern Yellow-striped Armyworm Moth
Scientific NameSpodoptera praefica
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, tan
HabitatAgricultural fields, grasslands, open woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America (primarily California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of British Columbia)
Host Plantsalfalfa, clover, beans, cotton, corn, various grasses
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are caterpillars, often with prominent yellow stripes, that feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants and can occur in large numbers, sometimes marching like an army. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsAdults have a distinctive mottled brown and gray forewing pattern with pale-outlined kidney-shaped (reniform) and circular (orbicular) spots. Larvae are identifiable by their dark bodies with prominent yellow stripes along the sides.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and gray forewings, featuring distinct reniform and orbicular spots often outlined in pale yellow or white, and a wavy subterminal line.
