Armyworms
Larval stage of armyworm
Photo courtesy of the University of Arkansas
Armyworms vary in color from gray to yellowish green. Fall and True Armyworm larvae are about 1.5 to 2” long at maturity and have light stripes on their sides. Fall Armyworms have a brownish-head with a light, cream-colored inverted “Y”; True Armyworms do not. Adults are tan to gray colored moths.
Damage
Armyworms do their damage in their larval stage. Once armyworms have been feeding, the grass has a ragged appearance. Bird feeding can also be an indication of larval presence. Armyworms have a preference for cool season grasses, but will readily devour Bermuda grass. Most damage occurs in mid to late summer and fall.
Fall armyworms are serious pests in the South and less of a problem in the North.