Western bean cutworm (top) and typically damaged beans

Western Bean Cutworm
Richia albicosta (Smith)

The larvae are pinkish-brown caterpillars up to 40 mm long. The segment right behind the head has three longitudinal, white stripes on a dark shield. Adults are brown “miller” moths with light areas on the front of the wings. Small larvae eat holes in leaves. Larger larvae eat through bean pods and feed on bean seeds and also burrow into corn ears at various locations on the ear. Host plants: beans, corn, tomatoes.