Fall armyworm

The fall armyworm is a highly polyphagous migratory lepidopteran pest species.  It can colonize over 80 different plant species including many grasses, and crops such as alfalfa, soybean, sorghum, and corn. Eggs are laid in clusters of 50 or more in a single layer attached to foliage. Newly hatched larvae are pale green with black heads and during the second instar the head turns an orange-brown color. Fully grown larvae are 1.25 – 1.5 inches in length and vary in color from pale green to almost black, with a reddish-brown head.  They closely resemble true armyworm, and corn earworm larvae in appearance.