Dargida diffusa

(Walker, 1856)
Wheat Head Armyworm

Sort #: 2840 | P #: 932928 | MPG #: 10431 | PFG Page #: 492
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Larval substrate: Various grasses, incl. Agropyron (Wheat Grass), Andropogon (Bluestem), Avena sativa (Oat), Bromus inermis (Smooth Brome), Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass), Hordeum vulgare (Barley), Secale cereale (Rye), Triticum (Wheat), Zea mays (Corn), Zizania aquatica (Southern Wild Rice)
Phenology: Adult: 5/05 to 10/26 (148 records)

Status in MA (automated assessment): Widespread, very common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1910
Last Year Reported: 2025

Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 336