Fall armyworm

Striped caterpillar with a dark head. About 1-3/8" long when full grown. Four distinct spots on top of 8th abdominal segment (at upper right).

Arrives in KY from the south, can be a problem from July until killed by frost in the fall. Typically a grass feeder, often in whorls of late-planted corn. Will also attack fall seedings of grasses, small grains, and alfalfa.

"Look-a-likes" are other striped caterpillars:

• Armyworm- tan head covered with "net-like" markings. No distinct spots on top of 8th abdominal segment.
• Corn earworm- tan head with no dark markings, microspines on upper surface of the body.
• Stalk borer- dark bar on each side of head, "bruised" purple area on 1st third of body
• Yellowstriped armyworm- Distinct yellow stripe along each side of body, small black triangles next to stripe on the top of each segment. Distinct spot behind spiracle on 1st thoracic segment.