Velvetbean caterpillars survive the winter in tropical areas and migrate into Georgia in late spring and early summer. Eggs are laid singly on the underside of leaves and hatch in about three days. Larvae feed for 15 to 30 days and pupate in the soil. During summer months a generation is completed in about 4 weeks. Three to four generation occur in Georgia each year.
Velvetbean caterpillar is an annual pest on Georgia soybeans.
Control is good with insecticides. However, severe defoliation can occur if infestations go undetected. A preventive treatment with diflubenzuron has shown promising results. Foliage Feeding Insects. A County Agent's Guide to Insects Important to Agriculture in Georgia.