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Tobacco cutworm

Tobacco cutworm

Spodoptera litura

A species of Armyworms, Also known as Tobacco leaf caterpillar, Oriental leafworm moth, Tobacco caterpillar, Rice cutworm

The larva of the tobacco cutworm is a major pest of agricultural crops such as tobacco, cotton, soybeans, and cabbage. These larvae feed on leaves voraciously. When the moth emerges into the adult stage, 70% of their total matings occur on their second night as an adult.

General Info About Tobacco cutworm
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Attributes of Tobacco cutworm
Habitat
cultivated / agricultural land ; protected agriculture area; managed forest, plantation and orchard; disturbed area; natural grassland; riverbank wetland
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, honeydew, juices from decaying fruit, plant fluids, pollen
Larva Food Source
Leaves of cotton plants, tobacco, peanuts, tomatoes, cabbage
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Tobacco cutworm is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Tobacco cutworm 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
The Tobacco cutworm feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
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Species Status of Tobacco cutworm
It is the most common in South Asia. However, its natural range extends from the Oriental and Australasian areas to parts of the Palearctic region as well.
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Distribution Area of Tobacco cutworm
Asia, Oceania
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Life Cycle of Tobacco cutworm
Egg The tobacco cutworm begins life as an egg, usually laid in clusters on host plants. The eggs are small, spherical, and may vary in color depending on species.
Larva After hatching, the larva or caterpillar emerges—often voraciously feeding on foliage. This stage is characterized by several molts as it increases in size.
Pupal Once fully grown, the larva enters a quiescent pupal stage within a cocoon or chrysalis. During this transformational phase, tobacco cutworm begins reorganizing into adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult tobacco cutworm's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Tobacco cutworm
3 - 4 cm
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Predators of Tobacco cutworm Larvae
Amphibians such as frogs and toads, insectivorous birds, arachnids like spiders, predatory insects such as ants, wasps, and mantises
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Predators of Adult Tobacco cutworm
Bats, birds, spiders, other predatory insects
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Scientific Classification of Tobacco cutworm
Tips for Finding Tobacco cutworm
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Youth Habitat of Tobacco cutworm
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies, Tropical Rainforests, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Tobacco cutworm
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Tropical Rainforests, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Tobacco cutworm
For attracting tobacco cutworm, one could use pheromone traps or baits based on host plant preferences such as lettuce, beans, or cotton for adults.
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Habitat Preferences of Tobacco cutworm Through Different Life Stages
Adult tobacco cutworm are typically found near fields, gardens, and other cultivated areas where females deposit eggs on the underside of leaves. Larvae tend to be found on a wide variety of host plants, particularly favoring legumes and other vegetable crops where they feed on leaves. Pupation usually occurs in the soil or under debris close to host plants. To observe diverse stages, inspect the foliage for eggs, search for caterpillars feeding on plant matter, and sift through soil at the base of plants for pupae.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Tobacco cutworm
The best time to find tobacco cutworm would typically be at night when adults are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Tobacco cutworm
Warm and humid conditions are typically more favorable for finding tobacco cutworm as these conditions are ideal for their activity and development.
Are Tobacco cutworm harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Tobacco cutworm
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Agricultural Pests

The larvae of tobacco cutworm are notorious for their ability to chew through the tissues of leaves, fruits, and stems, affecting a wide range of crops with no particular preference. The severity of the damage can range from mild to severe, with a significant number of larvae leading to defoliation and reduced crop yields, potentially impacting food supply and economic stability.

More Effects of Tobacco cutworm

Beneficial Effects of Tobacco cutworm
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Tobacco cutworm is known for its accidental pollination. When feeding on the nectar of flowers, specifically those of cabbage plants, it inadvertently transfers pollen. Attraction is primarily through the scent of the bloom. This nocturnal visitor thus plays a small, yet vital part in the pollination process.
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