Fall armyworm larvae hatch from eggs which are deposited in a fuzzy mass usually on the underside of corn leaves. Larvae begin feeding on the leaves. They may completely defoliate seedling corn. On larger corn, the larvae move deep down into the whorl to feed.
Infested plants develop a ragged whorl.
Corn ears may be attacked by large and small larvae. Larvae are not cannibalistic and several larvae may develop in one ear. This can cause almost complete destruction of the ear. Corn earworm larvae are striped and variable in color. The head capsule is usually yellowish-orange.