Helicoverpa zea, commonly known as the corn earworm, is a species (formerly in the genus Heliothis) in the family Noctuidae. The larva of the moth Helicoverpa zea is a major agricultural pest that causes massive economic costs. Since it is polyphagous (can feed on many different plants) during the larval stage, this species has been given many different common names. When the larva consumes cotton, it is known as the cotton bollworm. When it consumes corn,...