Do army worms make webs? This is a question that often arises among gardeners and agriculturalists, as these pests can cause significant damage to crops. In this article, we will explore the habits of army worms and determine whether they construct webs like many other insects do.
Army worms, also known as fall armyworms, are caterpillars that belong to the family Noctuidae. They are native to South America but have spread to various parts of the world, including North America, Africa, and Asia. These pests are known for their voracious appetite and ability to cause extensive damage to crops such as corn, sorghum, and cotton.
Contrary to the belief that army worms construct webs, these caterpillars do not create webs to capture prey or protect themselves. Instead, they are known for their migratory behavior, which allows them to travel long distances in search of food and favorable conditions. This is why they are often referred to as “army” worms, as they can form large, mobile groups that move through fields in search of crops.
The primary way army worms feed is by chewing on the foliage of their host plants. They do not require a web to capture prey, as they are not predators. Instead, they focus on consuming the leaves, stems, and flowers of their preferred crops, which can lead to significant yield losses for farmers.
While army worms do not create webs, they do exhibit some defensive behaviors to protect themselves from predators. One of these behaviors is to regurgitate a fluid that can be toxic to potential predators. This fluid is produced from the caterpillar’s gut and can cause irritation or even paralysis in some animals. However, this is not a web-based defense mechanism.
In addition to their migratory and defensive behaviors, army worms also have a unique reproductive strategy. Female army worms lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves, where they are less likely to be disturbed. The eggs hatch into caterpillars, which then begin to feed on the host plants. This life cycle allows the army worms to rapidly multiply and spread across large areas, further contributing to their devastating impact on crops.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Do army worms make webs?” is no. These pests do not construct webs to capture prey or protect themselves. Instead, they rely on their migratory behavior, defensive regurgitation, and reproductive strategies to thrive in agricultural settings. Understanding the habits and behaviors of army worms is crucial for gardeners and farmers to develop effective control measures and minimize crop damage.
