Insect Reproduction Growth and Development
Most insects develop from an egg and, upon hatching, have a form different from that of the adult. The series of form changes as an insect develops from egg to adult is called metamorphosis. The young insect is covered with a more or less firm skin called the exoskeleton. As the insect feeds, it grows inside this skin, but it cannot increase in volume because it is restricted by its exoskeleton. A new elastic exoskeleton then forms under the old rigid exoskeleton. The old exoskeleton splits...
Fall Armyworm
Description Light green to black, striped black head with inverted white Y on the front of the head about 1 1 2 inches long. Feeds at night. Damage Attacks the young emerging corn leaves in the whorl and the ear in a manner similar to the corn earworm. Fall armyworms will chew through the husks to attack the kernels, whereas corn earworms enter the tip. Often several fall armyworms are found in an ear. What to do Apply a recommended insecticide. Plant early.
Hornworms Tobacco and Tomato
Description Large, green caterpillars with white bars up to 3 or 4 inches long with a slender horn projecting from near the rear end. Damage Hornworms feeds on leaves, consuming large amount of foliage. Leaf loss may result in stunting and fruit scald. What to do Handpicking and destruction are often easily accomplished because of size. If large numbers of hornworms or plants are involved, use a recommended insecticide. Description Winding white trails or broad white spots appear on leaves,...
Thrips
Description Adult - extremely small 1 25 inch long , yellow or brown winged insects very active. Nymph - similar to adult but smaller and wingless. Thrips often feed on weeds in and around the garden. Damage Adults and larvae suck plant juices and cause whitish blotches. Tips of leaves may become distorted and die. Entire plants may wither and fall over with severe infestations. What to do Set onions should not be grown near seed onions. Weeds in and around the garden should be removed to...
Cabbage Looper
Description Pale green, smooth-skinned worms up to 1 1 4 inches long, which make a loop in the middle portion of the body as they move along the plant. Brown pupae are attached to one side of a plant leaf during the growing season. Damage Large holes are eaten in leaves. So much leaf tissue may be consumed that plant growth is interfered with. Larvae may be present in the heads and go unnoticed until cooking. What to do It is very important to control these larvae while small, as the larger...
Cutworm
Description Plump, smooth-skinned, greasy-looking caterpillars up to 1 inch long often found curled up at base of plants. Damage Young transplants may be cut down at ground level, or branches may be removed from larger plants. Some damage to small tomato fruit may occur on older plants. What to do Physical barriers, such as aluminum foil wrapped around a 4-inch length of stem between leaves and roots may be used to protect newly set transplants. Baits, sprays or recommended insecticides may be...