…Could be the name of a Halloween party cover band, don’t you think? But in fact, these are the common names for Pyraloidea adults and larvae, respectively. Pyraloidea is the third largest superfamily of the Lepidoptera, and is comprised of two families – Pyralidae and Crambidae. Together, there are about 16K species worldwide. Within the… Continue reading
Predicting cutworm and armyworm pressure is difficult. But without predictive tools (monitoring of adult moths, crop scouting, and detection of larvae), cutworm and armyworm attacks are only noticed too late, when the most severe damage has already been done. Here are some factors that affect activity levels: Cyclic booms and busts of pest population levels… Continue reading
As we endure the College World Series rain delay, let’s take time to learn about a different type of strike. (A segue stretch, I know)… Mamestra configurata Walker, bertha armyworm, is native to North America and is a major pest of canola, so most published literature reports on damage and economic thresholds in Brassica rapa… Continue reading
Apamea cutworms can be serious pests of grasses. There are a few different species that are common in this region. Two of them have fun common names. A. cogitata, the thoughtful Apamea and its more unfortunate contrary: A. dubitans, the doubtful Apamea The current activity of this common group of moths is not of direct… Continue reading