These eggs hatch in 2 to 3 days and the larvae first feed together in a group near the egg cluster. As they grow, they gradually move away from the egg masses. Many small larvae die during this wandering stage but the behavior tends to spread out the infestation. Older larvae may feed on fruit as well as leaves. The life cycle takes about a month to complete.
Beet armyworm feeding on young tender growth can be very damaging to small transplants.
Often a fine webbing is produced by smaller larvae near these feeding sites. Older plants can become rapidly defoliated . Vegetable growers should pay particular attention to fall plantings of beans, tomatoes, crucifers, other truck crops. Management Regular scouting of fields to detect the first indications of a beet armyworm infestation is critical. Growers in Kentucky and southern Ohio and Indiana should scout their fields weekly and watch for small beet armyworm larvae feeding in groups on young leaves.