Number 1. Window-paning by FAW caterpillars. (Politeness Picture by Holly Davis)
By Dalton C. Ludwick, Holly Davis,
Sonja L. Swiger as well as David L. Kerns
Expansion Entomologists
Texas A&M AgriLife Expansion Service
Current rains occasions have actually been a significant trouble this summer. As a result of this rainfall, fall armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda) are prospering across the north, main and eastern parts of Texas. Below is some information on the biology of the parasite, exactly how to search for them, as well as control alternatives to minimize damage.
Biology and also Damage
There are 2 stress of loss armyworms (FAW): the corn pressure as well as the lawn stress. The corn pressure generally shows up in the springtime as well as very early summertime as well as feeds on plants such as corn, sorghum, as well as cotton. The yard stress, which is the stress that infests hay fields and also pastures, typically turns up after substantial rainfall events from mid-July via loss. The corn pressure is understood for being resistant to pyrethroids, while the grass stress is prone to pyrethroids. FAW caterpillars make it through and also develop better in locations with fed or well-watered lawns which can lead to episode situations. Multiple generations can occur in a short time-period.
Figure 2. FAW caterpillar with upside down “Y” pattern. (Courtesy Image by Rub Doorperson)
FAW caterpillars live for two to 4 weeks depending upon the temperature level. Fresh arised caterpillars will certainly start to eat the fallen leaves as well as make tiny transparent areas (windowpanes; Fig. 1) providing the turf a frosted look. As they grow and molt, the caterpillars will certainly start to take in the entire fallen leave. The larger the caterpillar, the more damage they cause. Smaller caterpillars are simpler to manage. During their last couple of days as a caterpillar, when they are 1-1.5″ in length, they consume regarding 80% of all the leaf tissue they will consume in their lifetime.
Identification as well as Scouting
FAW caterpillars are mainly identifiable by 2 attributes. The head will certainly have evident white markings that create an inverted “Y” pattern (Fig. 2). The 2nd attribute is that the last couple sections of the caterpillar will certainly have black bumps that create a square or rectangular shape.
There are numerous techniques that are available to hunt for FAW caterpillars. The even more typical technique is to get on your hands and knees as well as very closely check the turf. Throughout hot days, examine the lower parts of the plant or dirt surface area where they might be concealing from the severe temperature levels. Sweep internet are an excellent and also easy to use tool for tasting for FAW in tall grass (Fig. 3). Another method is to run your hands across a 1-2 square foot location and knock the caterpillars to the dirt surface area. Then, just check the dirt for dislodged caterpillars.
Number 3. FAW caterpillars in a move internet. (Gus Lorenz|University of Arkansas)
Despite the looking approach, bear in mind of the size of the caterpillars. Smaller caterpillars (<