In the major sunflower producing areas of the Dakotas, Minnesota and Manitoba, approximately 15 species of sunflower insects cause plant injury and economic loss depending on the severity of infestation. However, during any one growing season, only a few species will be numerous enough to warrant control measures. Furthermore, proper timing of insecticidal treatment is essential to maximize control. The following provides information on the identification, life cycle, damage, scouting methods, economic threshold levels and control of some of the most common insect pests of sunflower in the Northern Great Plains. A preliminary quick reference guide to sunflower insects is available.
Sides have numerous indistinct stripes.
Larvae can be distinguished by two dull reddish stripes along the back. The larvae have a dull, dingy, brown body mottled with cream color. The female darksided and redbacked cutworm moths deposit eggs in the soil in late July and early August. The eggs remain dormant until the onset of warm weather the following spring. The larvae of both species emerge from late May to early June.