Armyworms are appearing in record numbers this year in the Northeast and parts of the Midwest. Entomologists do not know for certain why the outbreaks are occurring. Speculation centers on spring weather patterns that may have hastened development of the insects, but this is not proven.

The year's first brood is pupating. The second brood, when it hatches in a few weeks, threatens to bring even more severe damage to unprotected plants.