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True armyworm and black cutworm larval numbers are on downward trends in most areas of the state. Except for northeast Missouri, numbers of larvae of these pest insects are being reduced by parasites, predators, fungal pathogen and by many mature larvae pupating in order to change into the moth form. As more larvae pupate, numbers of true armyworms and black cutworm moths will increase at lights during early evening and night periods. Moths of the second generation of true armyworm will search for new host plants and generally lay eggs in lawns and turf type environments. Black cutworm moths of the second generation tend to seek out many horticultural and non-crop plants on which to lay their eggs. In northeast Missouri some scattered problems with true armyworm infestations in grass pastures, wheat, and seedling corn are still being reported. Late moth flights into this region of the state account for most of these infestations.

Wayne Bailey
BaileyW@missouri.edu