Helicoverpa zea

Pronunciation
/hee-lih-COVER-pah zee-ah/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Helicoverpa zea
Plural
Helicoverpa zea

Definition

A species of moth commonly known as the corn earworm or cotton bollworm, which is a major agricultural pest.

Etymology

From Greek 'helios', meaning 'sun', and 'kaurophoros', meaning 'lifter' (referring to the moth's nocturnal habits). 'Zea' refers to maize.

Example

Helicoverpa zea larvae are notorious for their voracious appetite and ability to damage crops.

Related Terms