Sunflower
cutworm, sugarbeet webworm, ragweed plant bug, woolybear and painted.lady caterpillar
have caused occasional damage to sunflower. Adults of insect pests of other crops (such
as corn rootworm beetle and blister beetle) can be found as pollen feeders on sunflower
heads, but usually cause little injury.
Table 4: Common Insects in Sunflower
Sunflower moth Eggs are laid at flowering and hatch in 1 week. Larva
Homoeosoma electellum have dark bands running length of body. Feeds on floral
parts, tunnels in Seed.
Banded sunflower moth Moth has brown area mid-wing (.5 in.). Larvae are not
Cochylis hospes dark striped, smaller than head moth. Makes a small hole
in top of seed, feeds on meat.
Sunflower bud moth Dark grey moth. Larvae .5 to 1 in. in length. Feeds on
annaabi.ee 
