African Armyworms Invade Liberia

More on Armyworms, Tomato Hornworms and Other Pests
Armyworms have invaded Liberia. No, Liberia is not under attack from an army of humans; rather, a hoard of crop-munching African armyworms (caterpillars) are devouring crops in Liberia (Kenya and Tanzania are also under attack). Victims of the pesky armyworms include maize, millet, sorghum an
African Armyworms Invade Liberia
d sugar cane. The situation has gotten so bad that Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has declared a state of emergency.

Armyworms Attack Liberia: What is an Armyworm?

As previously mentioned, armyworms are caterpillars. They get their name from the fact that they march in long lines into crop fields. The BBC notes that "like locusts, armyworms appear in huge numbers, ravage farms, and then move on once fields are barren." Unfortunately, armyworms can cause diseases in humans because their fecal matter can enter rivers and streams and thus contaminate the water supply. Armyworms come from the larvae of nocturnal moths. During the rainy season, each female moth laysup to 1,000 eggs during her 10-day lifespan. Once hatched, the larvae, as the BBC notes, "migrate through grasslands in snake-like colonies." Once the armyworms reach crop fields, havoc ensues.

Armyworms Invade Liberia: Armyworms in the United States

Unfortunately, armyworms also inhabit the United States. They can be found east of the Rocky Mountains, and all the way up to the Canadian border. They consume barley, corn, fall rye, beans, cabbage, carrots, peas, peppers and other vegetables. Because armyworms feed primarily at night, they often inflict damage before being detected. Armyworms, fortunately, do have natural predators. Both ground beetles and rove beetles enjoy making meals out of armyworms and thus play an important role in keeping armyworm populations under control.


Source: associatedcontent.com