Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

What is a defining feature of Armyworms?

1. They only feed at night

2. They do not survive winter

3. They have continuous generations through the year

4. They are attracted to dry soil

The correct answer is: They have continuous generations through the year

Armyworms are characterized by having continuous generations throughout the year, which is a defining feature of their life cycle. This capacity for continuous reproduction allows them to exploit available food sources and thrive in various environments as long as conditions are favorable. Consequently, they can cause significant damage to crops and lawns as multiple generations can occur within a single growing season. In contrast, the notion that they only feed at night can be misleading. Although many species may exhibit nocturnal feeding habits, some can also feed during the day under certain conditions. The claim that armyworms do not survive winter pertains to certain species' life cycles, as some indeed cannot endure cold weather conditions, but this does not universally apply to all armyworm species. The idea that they are attracted to dry soil is equally not representative of their behavior; armyworms tend to thrive in conditions with adequate moisture. Thus, the continuous generation aspect stands out as the key defining feature.