African Armyworm vs Nuttall Blister Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Armyworm Nuttall Blister Beetle
Scientific Name Spodoptera exempta Lytta nuttalli
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Noctuidae Meloidae
Size 28-35 mm wingspan 15-25 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania Western North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

African Armyworm

A migratory pest moth whose caterpillars march in vast armies across cereal crops and grasslands in Africa. Outbreaks follow heavy rains and can destroy pastures and grain fields.

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Did You Know?

A single outbreak swarm can contain millions of caterpillars marching together across fields like an army.

Nuttall Blister Beetle

A brilliant metallic purple-blue blister beetle found in the prairies and grasslands of western North America. Adults congregate on legume flowers in large numbers.

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Did You Know?

Periodic mass outbreaks can strip entire fields of alfalfa flowers within days.