Yellow-striped Armyworm Moth
Common NameYellow-striped Armyworm Moth
Scientific NameSpodoptera ornithogalli
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)37.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, black, tan, white
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, disturbed areas, open woodlands, meadows
Geographic RangeNorth America, Central America, South America
Host Plantsalfalfa, asparagus, bean, beet, cabbage, clover, corn, cotton, grape, onion, pea, potato, tobacco, tomato, various grasses
Flight PeriodMay to October (northern regions), year-round (southern regions)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as armyworms, are polyphagous pests that feed on a wide variety of plants, primarily at night. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown forewings with a distinctive pale, often yellowish, streak or prominent pale markings, and the relatively plain whitish hindwings. The larvae often have a yellow stripe along their sides.
Description
This moth exhibits mottled brown forewings with intricate patterns of darker brown and black, often featuring a pale, yellowish streak or prominent pale markings. Its hindwings are typically off-white with darker veins.
