Missouri Pest Monitoring Network
Beet Armyworm I.D.

Identification of moth
(stage attracted to and captured in traps)

• Grayish-brown with two yellow spots near the center.
• Hind wing is a translucent white with narrow brown borders.
• Wingspan of 1 to 1.25 inches.

Identification of larvae (damaging stage)

• pale green or yellow in color during first and second instars, but acquire pale stripes during third instar.
• During fourth instar larvae are darker dorsally and possess a dark lateral stripe.
• Larvae in fifth instar are quite variable in appearance, tending to be green.

Identification of eggs

• Cylindrical and greenish to white in color.
• Laid in groups on leaves, and are covered in cottony whitish scales.