UF/IFAS Vegetable Arthropod Pest Photographs CD-ROM III

Sweetpotato Armyworm, Spodoptera dolichos
Velvet Armyworm, Spodoptera latifascia
(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Both of these armyworms are commonly found in the eastern states along the Gulf Coast. Specimens may be found in northern states but damaging populations are rarely found in states other than Florida. Naturally occurring parasitoids help to maintain populations at low levels. The life cycle for these insects usually takes 30 to 50 days. Eggs are pale in color and are usually laid on the lower surface of leaves. The larvae vary in color from light gray or green to black. The larvae have black triangular spots along the edge of the back. The pupa can be found in the soil and is brown. The adults are grayish-brown with mottled markings on the forewings. The hindwings are white with a dark band running along the edge.

Vegetable crops that are commonly attacked include asparagus, bean, corn, cowpea, pepper, potato, sweet potato, and turnip. Larvae damage the plant by feeding on leaves. The larvae may also function as cutworms, severing the plant at the soil surface, and may feed upon fruit. Foliar insecticides are commonly applied to maintain populations at low levels. Broadleaf weeds serve as alternate hosts for these insects and should be destroyed. These armyworms are not frequent pests and rarely cause sufficient damage to warrant chemical control.

Images

To save the Web-optimized images shown below to your hard drive:

PC users: right click to "Save Picture (or Image) As..."

Mac users: click and drag to your desktop.

Sweetpotato armyworm, Spodoptera dolichos, adult.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
Click to access Display and Print quality images.

Sweetpotato armyworm, Spodoptera dolichos, larva.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
Click to access Display and Print quality images.

Sweetpotato armyworm, Spodoptera dolichos, mature larva
feeding on tomato.
(Photographer: L. Buss, University of Florida)
Click to access Display and Print quality images.

Sweetpotato armyworm, Spodoptera dolichos, mature larva.
(Photographer: L. Buss, University of Florida)
Click to access Display and Print quality images.

Sweetpotato armyworm, Spodoptera dolichos, mid-instar
larva feeding on tomato.
(Photographer: L. Buss, University of Florida)
Click to access Display and Print quality images.

Velvet armyworm, Spodoptera latifascia, larva.
(Photographer: P. Choate, University of Florida)
Click to access Display and Print quality images.

Velvet armyworm, Spodoptera latifascia, larva.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
Click to access Display and Print quality images.

Return to Index