Insect
True Armyworm
Mythimna unipunctaAlso known as White-Speck Moth, Common Armyworm, Rice Armyworm
True armyworm moths take their name from the dramatic larval swarms that march across pastures and grain fields in search of fresh vegetation. Adult moths are strong nocturnal fliers distinguished by a prominent white speck centered on each tan forewing. They undertake long-distance migratory flights each spring, following warmth and wind currents into northern temperate regions.
NocturnalAgricultural PestMigratory
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCorn, Wheat, Pasture grasses
Predators
- Parasitoid wasps
- Insectivorous birds
- Ground beetles
ThreatsAgricultural pesticides and habitat disruption from tillage.
HabitatsAgricultural fields, pastures, grasslands, and meadows.
Life spanAdults live 2–3 weeks; full life cycle takes 30–50 days.
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyNoctuidae
- GenusMythimna
- SpeciesMythimna unipuncta
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Light Attraction: Night-flying adults readily visit porch lights, blacklights, and sugar bait traps.
- Field Scouting: Check dense grass clumps near soil level during daylight to spot hiding caterpillars.
Competitor (c) Peter Waycik, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Peter Waycik · cc-by
Agricultural Pest (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by portioid · cc-by
Close Relative dhobern / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Family Member (c) janet graham, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Species set
Moonlight Marvels
True Armyworm is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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