Caterpillars are green with a longitudinal, white line on each side of the body. These white lines become faded when the caterpillars are full-grown (a little over one inch long). A unique characteristic of this species is that the caterpillar has only three mid-abdominal prolegs. Hosts consist of only legume plants such as soybean and alfalfa (preferred hosts) as well as bean, cowpea, pea and clover plants.

About the family

Noctuidae is the largest family in the order Lepidoptera. The body of the caterpillars ranges from smooth with very little hair to clothed with short or long hairs; coloration varies from dull-colored to bright stripes or patches to cryptic. Although many species are found feeding on the foliage of forest or shade trees, they are not considered serious pests. However, several species are damaging to many field, vegetable and fruit crops.

IPM1019, new February 2003