Old World Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera

Old world bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) is an important pest of a variety of crops in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe. It has caused severe economic losses to corn, cotton, cowpeas, soybeans and tomatoes in these countries. It is closely related to the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), an important pest of corn in Maine. Old world bollworm is not known to be established in the United States, although it has been intercepted at ports numerous times.

Old world bollworm has a broad host range and has been reported on a variety of vegetables, cereals, fruits (strawberry), flowers (e.g. chrysanthemum), and forest trees. Adults emerge from the ground in the spring, feed on nectar, mate and lay eggs on host plants within 10 days of emergence. A female moth will produce an average between 730 and 1,700 eggs. Larvae hatch within 2 weeks and bore into the fruiting structures of host plants where they will feed and complete development. Up to 3 generations are expected to be achieved annually in New England.

Adults of Helicoverpa armigera are sexually dimorphic, and careful study of the wing and genital characteristics of the male can help distinguish old world bollworm from similar Helicoverpa species.

For more information visit these sites:

UMass Extension
Cornell University News Service
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
Washington State University

If you suspect European crane fly presence or damage, please contact the Maine Department of Agriculture, (207) 287-3891.

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Old World Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera

For more information visit these sites: