Division of Extension
Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) larvae feed on a variety of crops, mainly impacting sweet corn and hybrid dent seed corn. Larvae feed on the tips of corn ears, damaging kernels and contaminating the ears with frass.
Western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta) is an economic pest in dry bean and corn production. Despite its name, western bean cutworm (WBCW) does not naturally feed on field soybeans. Larvae feed on corn ears, leading to yield loss and reduced grain quality.
Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) are an invasive beetle that feed on the leaves and flowers of crops, including corn and soybeans.
True armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta) is a pest of corn and small grains known for migrating in large groups when its preferred food source is depleted. Pastures and grassy hay fields are also at risk of damage.
Alfalfa is a valuable forage crop in Wisconsin that supports dairy and livestock production. Alfalfa can be threatened by the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica), an early-season pest that feeds on alfalfa leaves and may severely damage first-crop and second-crop alfalfa fields.
