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Alfalfa
> Year-Round IPM Program > Summer > Identifying
Caterpillars
Alfalfa
Identifying Caterpillars—Summer
On this page
- Alfalfa caterpillar
- Cotesia medicaginis
- Beet armyworm
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- Hyposoter larva
- Western yellowstriped armyworm
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Use the photos below to identify caterpillars
that can be problematic in alfalfa. Note that young caterpillars
look different than mature ones. To determine if caterpillars
are parasitized, pull apart young worms to see if white or green
larvae pop out. Names link to more information on identification
and biology.
Click on photos to enlarge
| Young larva |
Older larva |
Parasitized larva |
Alfalfa caterpillar
identification tip: Young
caterpillars are pale green and very hairy.
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Alfalfa caterpillar
identification tip:
Full-grown
caterpillars are about 1.5 inches long; they are distinguished
from other caterpillars in alfalfa by their
velvety green bodies and white lines along their sides. |
Cotesia medicaginis
If you pull apart a parasitized
alfalfa caterpillar, a white, shiny Cotesia larva
is revealed.
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Beet armyworm
Identification tip:
Newly
hatched larvae are tiny and green and feed in groups.
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Beet armyworm
Identification tip:
Older
larvae are smooth and may be olive green (to almost black)
but usually have many fine, wavy, light-colored
stripes down the back and a broader yellow stripe down
each side.
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Hyposoter larva
If you pull apart a parasitized
armyworm, a green Hyposoter larva will pop out.
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| No photo available. |
Western yellowstriped
armyworm
Identification tip: The caterpillar is usually black,
with two prominent stripes and many narrow bright ones on
each side. |
No photo available. |
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