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The velvetbean caterpillar reaches 1-1/2 inches in length with a light green to black (late in season) body and yellow-orange head. It has 5 pairs (4+1) of abdominal prolegs, with the first pair not apparent on small larvae. The pest thrashes violently when handled. Defoliation starts in the top of the plant. Heavy populations clip off pods or feed on the pod wall after completely defoliating a field. Previous insecticidal use can greatly increase or decrease subsequent velvetbean caterpillar populations, depending on the product used. Greatest economic injury occurs to late maturing soybeans in the southern Coastal Plain from Texas to North Carolina. |
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