Helicoverpa zea

Introduction:

Forewing yellowish tan with variable reddish brown, olive green, or gray markings and shading. Reniform spot usually filled with dark gray. Hindwing whitish with dark gray veins and border, with surrounds whitish patch at midpoint of outermargin.
Life Cycle: It is a nocturnal moth that lays eggs on corn silks, and the resulting larvae feed on the kernels, causing damage that can be identified by chewed kernels, frass (excrement), and the worm itself. The larva of the moth Helicoverpa zea is a major agricultural pest. The species migrates seasonally, at night, and can be carried downwind up to 400 km. Pupae can make use of diapause to wait out adverse environmental conditions, especially at high latitudes and in drought.

Size 1-1.5 inch (2.5-3.5 cm)
Sexual Dimorphism: none
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)