Scientific name: Phytometra gamma, Autographa gamma
Other name: Gamma moth, Silver Y
Greek name: Φυτομέτρης
Beet worm is an insect that attacks a large number of plants, e.g. beets, potatoes, legumes and many autochthonous plants.
Damage
Young beet worm larvae cause irregular holes in leaves. Developed larvae are voracious eaters and devour the entire leaf, leaving only the veins. They can even cause complete defoliation.
Enemy
The beet worm larvae are about 30 mm long and greenish in color. They bear transverse and lateral striations and have 3 pairs of pectoral legs.
Beet worm adults (butterflies) have a wingspan of about 40 mm and are greyish-brown in color. The forewings bear a light-colored gamma-shaped pattern on the forewings, from which it takes its name.
Notes
It is a migratory insect, moving from southern to northern Europe.
Source
www.bayercropscience.gr
Silver Y
Autographa gamma (silver-Y moth) – CABI
Tags: PLANTS ENEMY
