What is Army Worms?
Army worms, also known as cutworms, are a type of caterpillar that belongs to the family Noctuidae. These pests are notorious for their ability to cause significant damage to crops, lawns, and gardens. They are commonly found in various parts of the world, including North America, Africa, and Australia. Army worms are known for their distinctive feeding behavior, where they form large, moving groups, resembling an army, hence their name. In this article, we will explore the life cycle, characteristics, and control methods of army worms.
Life Cycle of Army Worms
The life cycle of army worms begins with the egg stage. Female army worms lay their eggs on the soil surface or on the lower part of the plant stems. These eggs are usually laid in clusters of 50 to 100. After about a week, the eggs hatch into larvae, which are the caterpillar stage of the army worm. The larvae are initially green or brown and grow rapidly, feeding on the foliage of the host plants.
As the larvae grow, they undergo several molts, shedding their skin several times. During this stage, they can cause significant damage to crops, as they feed voraciously on leaves, stems, and flowers. After several weeks of feeding, the larvae enter the pupal stage, where they transform into adult moths. The adult moths are usually grayish-brown in color and have distinctive wing patterns.
The adult moths emerge from the pupal stage and lay eggs, starting the cycle anew. The entire life cycle can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the climate and the availability of food sources.
Characteristics of Army Worms
One of the most distinctive characteristics of army worms is their ability to form large, moving groups. These groups, known as “armies,” can be several feet long and contain hundreds or even thousands of larvae. This behavior is believed to be a survival mechanism, as the larvae move together to find food and avoid predators.
Another characteristic of army worms is their feeding pattern. They are nocturnal feeders, which means they are most active at night. During the day, they hide in the soil or under debris to avoid predators and harsh weather conditions. Army worms have a voracious appetite and can consume large amounts of foliage in a short period of time, which can lead to significant crop loss.
In addition to their feeding behavior, army worms have a few other distinguishing features. They have a segmented body with a dark head and a lighter-colored body. Their legs are long and spindly, and they have a pair of antennae that are longer than their body. Adult moths have distinctive wing patterns, which can help in their identification.
Control Methods for Army Worms
Controlling army worms is essential to protect crops and maintain healthy lawns and gardens. There are several methods that can be used to manage these pests:
1. Cultural Practices: Crop rotation and the removal of weeds can help reduce the population of army worms. By rotating crops and removing weeds, you can disrupt the life cycle of the pests and limit their food sources.
2. Biological Control: Beneficial insects, such as parasitic wasps and predatory beetles, can be used to control army worms. These insects lay their eggs on the larvae, which then hatch and feed on the army worms, eventually killing them.
3. Chemical Control: Pesticides can be used to control army worms, but they should be used judiciously. It is important to follow the label instructions and apply the pesticide at the recommended rates and intervals. This will help reduce the risk of resistance and minimize environmental impact.
4. Physical Control: Handpicking larvae from plants and removing them can be an effective way to control small populations of army worms. This method is best used in conjunction with other control methods.
By understanding the life cycle, characteristics, and control methods of army worms, gardeners and farmers can take proactive steps to protect their plants and crops from these damaging pests.
