Common
name: Armyworms
| Scientific
Name:
|
Pseudaletia
convecta: Common
Armyworm |
|
Persectania
ewingii:
Southern Armyworm
|
|
Spodoptera
mauritia:
Lawn Armyworm
|
Adult:
is
a moth 3-5cm wingspan. Grey or Brown in colour, seen flying around lights
at night. Do no damage, seen in summer and autumn, up to 6 months.
Eggs:
Deposited in soil or on plants, hatch up to 12 days later.
Larvae:
Dark
stripe down centre of back, 4 cm long when fully fed, green, brown, or
reddish in colour and possessing legs. Damaging stage feeds on stems and
leaves.
Pupae:
Brownish
in colour and 2cm in length. Pupate in core holes 3 – 5cms deep for up
to 6 weeks long.
Metamorphosis:
Complete
metamorphosis
Hosts:
Couch
and bent and other turf grasses.
Symptoms:
Stripped
area of leaves to soil level
Prevention:
Backfill
core holes with soil.
Chemical
control:
Aimed
at larvae and used as a soil drench.
