Plant Health Initiative

Green Cloverworm

Green cloverworm. Photo credit: Marlin E. Rice, Iowa State University

Green cloverworm adult. Photo credit: Randy Higgens, Kansas State University Extension

Green cloverworm caterpillars (Hypena scabra) are present in most soybean fields from summer to fall. The caterpillars are green with a long white line on each side of the body. The migratory adults are common dark brown moths that are not easy to identify without training.

The green cloverworm is mostly found on legumes, with alfalfa and soybean the preferred hosts. Other hosts include dry beans, clover, cowpea, vetch, and many common weeds.

Damage to soybeans is caused by the larval stage which hatches in early summer. Feeding by the green cloverworm, although it can be extensive, does not generally affect yield, due to the ability of the soybean plant to compensate for leaf loss.

Many entomologists consider the green cloverworm a valuable food source for beneficial insects that can keep more serious defoliators in check.