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Corn Earworm

Corn Earworm

Helicoverpa zea

A species of Helicoverpa, Also known as Tomato Fruitworm, Corn earworm moth, Sorghum headworm moth, New world bollworm, Soybean podworm, Bollworm moth

The corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea), also known as the "tomato fruitworm", adapts based on the severity of winter weather. Some of these bugs can immigrate, overwinter, or do both during the colder months. The larvae prefer to feed on fruit and vegetable crops, especially corn and tomatoes. They can inflict significant damage to valuable crops.

General Info About Corn Earworm
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Attributes of Corn Earworm
Habitat
crop; high latitude; arid area
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, plant juices, honeydew, water, sugar solutions
Larva Food Source
Corn, cotton, tomato, beans, peppers
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Corn Earworm is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Corn Earworm is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
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Species Status of Corn Earworm
It is widely distributed across the Americas with the exception of northern Canada and Alaska.
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Adult Size of Corn Earworm
3 - 4.5 cm
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Predators of Corn Earworm Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, parasitic wasps, predacious beetles
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Predators of Adult Corn Earworm
Bats, birds, spiders, insectivorous mammals
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Interesting Facts About Corn Earworm
Corn Earworm can navigate in complete darkness using its highly attuned hearing to evade predators.
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Scientific Classification of Corn Earworm
Tips for Finding Corn Earworm
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Youth Habitat of Corn Earworm
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
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Habitat Preferences of Corn Earworm Through Different Life Stages
For the egg stage of corn Earworm, search on the underside of leaves in crop fields, particularly maize, cotton, and tomato plants. Caterpillar stages should be looked for on various parts of host plants, feeding on leaves, blossoms or even burrowing into fruit. Pupae typically reside underground or in leaf litter near these plants, so inspecting the soil and detritus at the base may prove fruitful. Finally, adult corn Earworm are most often found near agricultural areas, resting on vegetation during the day and flying in search of mates or laying eggs in the evening.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Corn Earworm
The best time to find adult corn Earworm is during nighttime as they are nocturnal fliers.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Corn Earworm
Mild to warm temperatures with low wind conditions are ideal for finding corn Earworm.
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How and Where Can You Find Corn Earworm at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of corn Earworm are typically laid on host plants. To find them, inspect the leaves of potential host crops, such as tomatoes or cotton, for tiny, spherical, creamy to white eggs.
Larva Corn Earworm caterpillars can be found on or near their food source, which includes a wide range of crops and plants. Look for them by gently examining the foliage, flowers, and fruits of such plants.
Pupal Corn Earworm pupae could be in the soil or on the surface near host plants. To locate them, carefully dig in the soil or inspect ground litter around host plants' bases.
Adult Adults of corn Earworm are moths that are attracted to light sources at night. Use light traps or visit fields and gardens with a flashlight during the evening to observe them flying or resting on surfaces.
Are Corn Earworm harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Corn Earworm
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Agricultural Pests

Larvae of corn Earworm feast on leaves, fruits, and seeds, leading to mild to severe damage. When populations are low, minor defoliation may occur, whereas high numbers can result in significant yield loss. These pests can indirectly harm humans by threatening food security and increasing crop management costs.

More Effects of Corn Earworm

Beneficial Effects of Corn Earworm
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Yellow Flowers, Fruit Trees
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Corn Earworm visits various flowers but shows a preference for yellow blooms and fruit trees. Attracted by vivid colors and sweet aromas, corn Earworm consumes pollen, inadvertently transferring it from flower to flower as it feeds.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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