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Fall Army Worm

Plate XX — Fall Army Worm is Fig. 37
Plate XX — Fall Army Worm is Fig. 37
Fall Army Worm (detail)
Fall Army Worm (detail)

This destructive insect, which is found all over the Atlantic States, the Mississippi Valley, and thence southward through Central and South America, feeds in its larval state upon a great variety of succulent plants, showing, however, a decided preference for the cereals. It does considerable damage to garden crops, and attacks cotton. It is said to inflict damage upon winter wheat, blue-grass, and timothy. The moth is variable in its markings. The typical form is represented on Plate XX, and by the upper figure in the annexed cut. It has frequently been mistaken by observers for the true Army Worm (Leucania unipuncta). Because its ravages are generally committed in the fall of the year it was named The Fall Army Worm by the late Prof. C. V. Riley. A very excellent account of the insect is given by this distinguished authority in the "Eighth Annual Report" of the State Entomologist of Missouri, p.48, et seq., which the student will do well to consult. It is from this article that the two accompanying figures have been taken.