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The Corn Earworm is a general feeder found on
crops such as corn, cotton, peanuts, tobacco and tomatoes. It can develop into
large populations in soybeans at any time but most frequently during bloom and
early pod fill.
These worms can vary in color from light green or
pink to nearly black but are generally lighter on their undersurface and have
alternating light and dark stripes along the length of their bodies. They have
dark spines and small dark spots on their body which are lacking on the other
caterpillar pests. When disturbed, they curl their bodies tightly.
The corn earworm can cause severe damage to small
seed pods before it is recognized. The small caterpillars are easier to control
than the larger ones, so it is important to check the fields carefully. In the
absence of pods, the corn earworm will also feed on foliage.
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