About Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1808)
This species, commonly known as the cotton bollworm, displays high variability in both size and body color. Adults have a body length ranging from 12 to 20 millimetres (1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch), and a wingspan of 30 to 40 millimetres (1+1⁄4 to 1+1⁄2 inches). Sexual dimorphism is visible in fore wing color: female fore wings are yellowish to orange, while male fore wings are greenish-gray. All fore wings have a slightly darker transverse band across the distal third, and the external transverse line, submarginal line, and reniform spot are all diffused. Hind wings are pale yellow, with a narrow brown band along the outer edge and a dark round spot in the center. Helicoverpa armigera is divided into two recognized subspecies. Helicoverpa armigera armigera is native to and widespread across central and southern Europe, temperate Asia, and Africa; this subspecies has recently been confirmed to have successfully invaded Brazil, and has since spread across much of South America and reached the Caribbean. The second subspecies, Helicoverpa armigera conferta, is native to Australia and Oceania. This is a migratory species, capable of traveling as far north as Scandinavia and other northern territories.
