Fall Armyworm

An adult Fall Armyworm is best described as a dull-colored, medium-sized moth. The front wings of the males are dark gray and mottled with light and dark markings, and they feature a white splotch near the tip. The front wings of the females are more uniform. The mature larvae of these lawn pests are segmented caterpillars with distinct stripes: a faint line down the middle of the back and two black lines along the sides. Each segment also has four distinct spots. The larvae heads have a distinct, Y-shaped mark that is inverted and white to yellow in color. Fall Armyworm damage in lawns produces a tattered look of partially chewed grass blades. More mature larvae will eat every part of your grass plant—right down to the crown—leaving bits of chewed leaves and piles of frass behind. This is a strong sign that you're dealing with this particular lawn-damaging pest.