Early feeding damage is characterized by feeding along the margin of the leaf. In corn, the larva can often be found in the whorl of the plant. Most feeding takes place at night. The worms will be inactive or hiding much of the day. Curled up larva can often be found laying on the soil in mid day in wheat.
Worms vary a great deal in color from green to brown to black.
Stay on the lookout for this worm in corn and wheat for the next two weeks. An infestation of armyworms can destroy a wheat or corn field in a matter of only days. Ragged leaves to complete defoliation. Inspect and record the damage on 20 consecutive plants in 5 areas of the field. Record instar stages of worms.