Armyworm Moth

Here's someone I don't know that I could ID all on my own; it's fairly nondescript. It's a True Armyworm Moth. I got this picture when Duke Farms had their semi-annual mothing event last August. (Duke Farms pays a guy who lights up large sheets that attract the moths.)

Similar to Goldenrod Soldier Beetles, True Armyworm Moths have no actual military training. They do have a bad reputation in the agricultural community since as caterpillars they voraciously devour crops (grains and other grasses) and then "march" in lines to the next plant; the marching is responsible for the "army" part of their name.

Their other name is the White-speck Moth, getting this name from those little white specks in the middle of their wings.

These moths are migratory. They head south to avoid our winters, and head north to avoid the worst heat of the summers.

Apparently if you're a True Armyworm Moth, your worst nightmare is being approached by birds like the Bobolink.

August 20, 2021 at Duke Farms
Photo 157771937, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)


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