Fall armyworm eggs are laid in clusters and covered in scales, giving a ‘furry’ appearance.
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- Fall armyworm egg mass
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- FAW egg mass showing individual eggs
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- FAW egg mass hatching
Neonates have translucent bodies with dark heads. Young larvae (up to about 3rd instars) can look very similar to young helicoverpa and other armyworm species. Larger larvae are more easily distinguished.
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- Small larva and windowing damage
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- Medium larva and shot hole damage
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- Large larva damaging cob
Pupae look similar to helicoverpa pupae, but are slightly smaller. Female moths are a mottled grey, and males have a rusty patterned forewings.
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- FAW female moth
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- FAW male moth
