Wheat Head Armyworm
Common NameWheat Head Armyworm
Scientific NameDargida diffusa
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, grey
HabitatAgricultural fields, grasslands, meadows
Geographic RangeNorth America
Host Plantswheat, barley, oats, corn, various grasses
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae, known as armyworms, are significant agricultural pests, feeding on cereal crops and grasses, sometimes moving in large groups. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive streaky forewing pattern, particularly the pale costal streak and the overall blend of browns and greys, which provides excellent camouflage against bark or dry vegetation.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a robust, hairy, tan-brown body. Its forewings are cryptically patterned with longitudinal streaks of light brown, darker brown, and grey, often featuring a prominent pale streak along the costa.
