Hot News: Armyworms

The large amount of armyworms seen in Indiana in June 2001 are only seen once every 40-50 years.

Teachers may be interested in this information for their students.

For information on how to purchase a video on armyworms, contact Steve Doyle, 765 494-8414.

Publications:

Pest and Crops

Moth invasions around homes at night?

The year of the moth

Lots of moths, likely they're armyworms

Armyworms - natural control to the rescue?

Armyworms - get out the camera, you may never see this again

Armyworms marching big time, this is NO parade

Ag Answers

Armyworms being all they can be in southern Indiana

Armyworms march on; farmers may apply for assistance

Other Links:

Field Crops: Armyworm and fall armyworm

It's Still: Armyworms! Armyworms! Armyworms!

Armyworm alert!

Photos: Armyworm and Winter Damage in No-Mow Roughs

Entomology: Armyworms

Larger photo

Armyworms Video

News Stories:

Entomologists: Scenario exists for dual armyworm invasion

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A spring armyworm infestation of near historic proportions could stretch well into July, when another armyworm species begins arriving and feeding on corn, say Purdue University entomologists Larry Bledsoe and John Obermeyer.

If the scenario plays out, it could be double trouble for Indiana farmers or no problem at all, Bledsoe said. Much will depend on nature's own control measures in reducing both armyworm species. more-->

Armyworm moths around homes not causing damage

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Swarms of armyworm moths are invading Indiana homes, trees and vegetation, but one Purdue University entomologist says the insects are not causing damage.

"The moths, or the adult stage of the armyworm caterpillar, are not the damaging stage of this insect," says insect diagnostician Tim Gibb. "Moths feed on the plant nectar and pollen. They do not damage homes or plants and do not bite people. They are just a nuisance pest because of their high numbers right now." more-->

Rural lawns could be next on the armyworm attack list

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — As armyworms continue their march through Indiana's grass pastures, cornfields and wheat, rural homeowners need to be on the lookout for this insect in their lawns as well.

The larvae attack tall grassy-type crops such as pasture, corn and wheat, but once they have devoured all the green material in one area, they migrate to the next field. If there is no field for the taking, the worms may feast on lawns, says a Purdue University entomologist. more-->

Armyworms marching, eating their way through Indiana

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — An agricultural pest with a voracious appetite is gobbling up Indiana pastures and crops in a feeding frenzy some farmers haven't seen in a generation.

Armyworms, so named because they appear to move in unison across fields, are chewing up farmland in counties from southwest to west central Indiana. The worms also have been spotted in portions of northern and northeastern Indiana. more-->

June 2001