The Earworms, Bollworms and Budworms: Helicoverpa spp.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and H. punctigera (Wallengren) are the most prominent Australian species in the Heliothinae, a subfamily of the Noctuidae that includes many major pests worldwide. They are similar morphologically and have similar life histories, but there are important ecological differences including their host ranges, propensity for diapause and migration strategies. These differences have major implications for their management as agricultural pests. They are among the most intensively studied of all Australian insects and Australian research has contributed significantly to innovative strategies for these and similar pests including insecticide and transgenic resistance management and integrated pest management.