They enter the soil to become pupae (the nonfeeding stage where the larva changes to an adult form). They start feeding in the spring and continue growth until early summer. Most species move from plant to plant on successive nights, while some remain to feed on the roots and underground stem of cut plants.Īll cutworms pass the winter as partly to fully-grown larvae (caterpillars) in the soil or under trash or clumps of grass. In either case, the top of the plant is severed from its roots, and the larva (caterpillar) that did the cutting may usually be found curled up in the soil close to the stub of the cut plant, within 2 inches (5 cm) of the surface. Several cutworm species ( Agrotis ipsilon, Peridroma saucia, Feltia ducens) are involved, but those that feed just above the soil surface or just beneath it cause most of the injury. Bottomland (low-lying land, creek bottoms, etc.) is most frequently the site of damage, although fields that are neither bottomland nor well-drained land commonly have cutworms.
Black cutworm ( Agrotis ipsilon) and damage to young corn stalk.įrank Peairs, Colorado State University, Cutworms damage a few plants in most gardens every year, but some gardens are so heavily infested as to warrant control by the grower.
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