Black cutworm (BCW) and true armyworm (TAW) moths continue to be active in Iowa. Last week, our cooperators in southern Iowa reported 37 total TAW moths. April 24 seemed to be the date with the largest flights: 14 TAW moths were caught around the state on that day alone. BCW moths were more widespread in Iowa compared to previous weeks. 31 BCW moths were caught across the state from April 22-24, but no significant flights have occurred yet (8 or more moths caught in a pheromone trap over 2 consecutive nights).
Figures 1 and 2 show the total moth captures in each county from April 19 to April 25 for TAW and BCW, respectively.
Reports from Weeks 1 and 2 can be found here.
Reports from Week 3 can be found here.
Surrounding states also monitor and report BCW and TAW captures. If you live near the state border, it may be beneficial to check these resources periodically. More resources may be available than what is listed here:
Ashley Dean Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist II
Ashley is an education extension specialist for field crop entomology at Iowa State University. She coordinates the Iowa Moth Trapping Network, the Regional Corn Rootworm Monitoring Network, and the Iowa Pest Alert Network. She also develops educational resources for field crop pests in Iowa and ...