Caterpillar Update in South Florida

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Mature larva of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner).
Credit: John Capinera, UF/IFAS

According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts in southwest Florida continue to find southern and beet armyworms, tomato fruitworms, loopers, hornworms and melonworms.

Worms are active in a variety of crops in the Manatee Ruskin area. There is an increase in armyworm egg masses, and melonworms are being found in cucurbits.

Respondents on the east coast report finding beet armyworms in peppers last week. Worm pressure is up in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA).

Melon worms are present in squash, cucumber and oriental cucurbits around Homestead.

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