By Ronnie Barentine
Soybean Caterpillars
I know many of you have sprayed soybeans with Dimilin and Boron. Dimilin is good for green clover worms and velvetbean caterpillar but does not control soybean loopers. We’ve had a few show up, but UGA Soybean Entomologist thinks that more soybean looppers are on the way. That said, we need continue scouting fields for them and other caterpillars. Following is a description of caterpillars found in soybeans.
- The velvetbean caterpillar has 4 pair of abdominal prolegs. This one will wiggle when touched and usually fall to the ground.
- The green cloverworm has 3 pair of abdominal prolegs. Normally does not cause serious economic damage.
- The soybean looper has 2 pair of abdominal prolegs and black markings. But not all soybean loopers have black markings. To ID, you have to check a few to find black markings.
- Cabbage looper does not have black markings. Normally does not cause economic damage.
Soybean Looper
Below is a guide for scouting soybean caterpillars from UGA Extension Entomologst Dr. Phillip Roberts:
We can also look at leaf damage. Following flowering, leaf damage exceeding 15% needs to be treated.