Use the following descriptions to identify pests. Stripes also vary, but there usually is a pair of narrow dark lines down the middle of the back and broad dark bands on each side. The head is yellow or orange with a light net-like pattern. Most distinctive are the many microspines on the skin, as seen with a hand lens. This insect attacks a wide variety of field and vegetable Crops, with sweet corn, tomato and soybean most important in Colorado.
Damage is caused by feeding on ear tips, fruit, pods and blossoms.
Corn earworm does not overwinter in Colorado. Egg laying activity usually occurs in July. This small brown caterpillar is identified by faint diamond markings on the back. Mature larvae are brown to pale grey with dark brown bands behind the head. Ear tips are preferred in corn and developing pods in beans.