Alfalfa Weevil

Alfalfa Weevil, Hypera postica  Alfalfa weevil is the most important insect pest of alfalfa in Colorado.  Order: ColeopteraFamily: Curculionidae Description and Lifecycle   Adult alfalfa weevils are small, 0.25-inch, brown-grey beetles, with a dark brown band down the...

Black Grass Bugs

Black Grass Bug Black grass bugs are small, black true bugs that are native to the western rangeland and can cause considerable damage to certain range grasses.  Order: HemipteraFamily: Miridae Description Black grass bugs are small, black true bugs that are native to...

Aphids in Alfalfa

Aphids in Alfalfa Pea aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, cowpea aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid are most common in alfalfa in Colorado.  Order: HemipteraFamily: Aphididae Description and Lifecycle Aphids have piercing-sucking mouthparts that extract plant sap (phloem). They...

Army Cutworm

Army Cutworm, Euxoa auxiliaris  Army cutworm adults are commonly known as miller moths and become a household nuisance following outbreaks. During outbreak years they can cause extensive damage in alfalfa, corn, wheat, and numerous other crops.  Order:...

Pale Western Cutworm

Pale Western Cutworm, Agrotis orthogonia Pale western cutworm is a subterranean cutworm, feeding on stems at the crown. They can be a significant pest in wheat and corn but will feed on a vast array of crops and weeds. Feeding results in severed stems, and entire...