Biological Synopsis of the Green Cloverworm in Central Iowa12

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Abstract
Observations of Plathypena scabra (F.) were made in central Iowa from 1968 to 1972. Data were gathered from laboratory, greenhouse, cage, and open-field environments. Additional United States distributional records since 1925 indicated that the species now extends to about 103° W longitude, and larvae reportedly feed on 34 plant species. In Iowa the primary hosts are soybean, alfalfa, and clover. Adult longevity was 22.4 days, with females living significantly longer than males. Flight activity was pronounced at Orius insidiousus (Say) and Nabis sp.), parasites (primarily Rogas nolophanae Ashmed and Winthemia sp.), and pathogens (a granulosis virus, Beauvaria bassiana (Balsamo), and Metarrhizium sp.). Most larvae pupated in the soil, but 10.4% pupated in the soybean-plant canopy. Adults were active in May, and oviposition began in alfalfa about May 15. Oviposition in soybean was usually delayed until the 1st week of June, and all stages were present until the middle of September. Latest fall activity was on November 16. A long ovipositional period with a relatively long life cycle produced great overlapping of generations. Prominent generations were therefore considered, with 3 occurring in alfalfa and 1 in soybean. The overwintering stage in Iowa remains an unresolved question.

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