What type of pest is Helicoverpa zea?

Helicoverpa zea, commonly known as the corn earworm or cotton bollworm, is a type of fruitworm. This species primarily feeds on various crops, including corn, cotton, and tomatoes, and is notorious for causing significant damage to fruit and vegetable crops. As a fruitworm, it has a lifecycle that includes the egg stage, larval stage, pupal stage, and adult moth. The larvae are particularly harmful as they invade and consume developing fruit, making it critical for growers to monitor and manage these pests effectively.

In contrast, stink bugs, aphids, and whiteflies represent different families of pests, each with distinct behavioral and biological characteristics. Stink bugs typically feed on plant sap and can damage fruits and vegetables by creating wounds. Aphids are small sap-sucking insects known for their rapid reproduction and potential to transmit plant viruses, whereas whiteflies are also sap-sucking pests that can cause significant harm to a variety of crops by weakening them and spreading disease. Understanding the specific type of pest in question is essential for implementing the appropriate management strategies to protect agricultural crops.