Armyworm

armyworm, larva of a moth, Pseudaletia unipuncta, found in North America E of the Rocky Mts. When numerous, armyworms move in hordes, traveling by night and devouring grasses, young grains, and some leguminous crops. The full-grown larva is about 2 in. (5 cm) long, dark gray with yellow and green stripes. There are usually two generations in a season, the larvae hatching from eggs in late spring and again in late summer. Pupation (see insect) is underground. The moth is grayish brown with a white spot on each fore wing. Armyworms are sometimes serious pests, especially in the second generation of the summer, which occurs when corn and wheat are maturing. Control methods include the use of poisoned bait and the digging of ditches and holes as traps. The armyworm can also be controlled by toxaphene insecticide, but this chemical is prohibited in most states. Armyworms are classified in the phylum Arthropoda, class Insecta, order Lepidoptera, family Noctuidae.

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armyworm [′är·mē‚wərm]

(invertebrate zoology)

Any of the larvae of certain species of noctuid moths composing the family Phalaenidae; economically important pests of corn and other grasses.

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Armyworm 

the larva of the fungus gnat Sciara militaris of the order Diptera. The white body consists of 12 segments and reaches a length of 7 mm. The head is black. The armyworm lives in mushrooms, under the bark of rotting stumps and trees, and in decomposing vegetables and fallen leaves. When there is a shortage of food, the larvae sometimes form dense ribbon-shaped masses, reaching a length of 4.5 m and a width of 7.5 cm. The adult gnat is 3‣4.5 mm long. The males are black, and the females are black with yellowish stripes along their sides.