The
moth lays eggs at night in clusters of 50 to several hundred, preferably
on blades of grass and frequently on lawn grass. The eggs hatch
in 2 to 4 days. The larva becomes full grown in 2 to 3 weeks at
which time it burrows into the soil I to 2 inches and pupates, where
it remains for about 8 to 10 days and emerges as an adult. The abundance
of moisture provides conditions for luxuriant plant growth, upon
which the larvae thrive. Outbreaks of the fall armyworm usually
follow wet seasons, especially during the summer and early fall.
There may be five to ten generations annually.
DAMAGE: The
tiny larva begins feeding immediately after hatching on the shell
of the egg from which it hatched, but soon attacks plants near the
surface of the soil. The larvae grow rapidly and within 2 or 3 days
begin to devour the plants.
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