The western bean cutworm (''Striacosta albicosta'') is a species of
moth of the family
Noctuidae
The Noctuidae, commonly known as owlet moths, cutworms or armyworms, are a family of moths. They are considered the most controversial family in the superfamily Noctuoidea because many of the clades are constantly changing, along with the other f ...
and the only member of the genus ''Striacosta''. It is endemic to the Western parts of the
United States, but since 2000, the species has spread east through
Iowa,
Minnesota,
Illinois,
Missouri,
Indiana,
Wisconsin,
Michigan and
Ohio.
The
wingspan is about 40 mm. The moth flies from July to August depending on the location.
The larvae feed on a wide variety of plants, including beans and corn, on which it is considered a pest.
External links
Species info
Moths described in 1888
Noctuidae
{{Noctuinae-stub