Overwintered larvae feed on foliage and small roots until they reach ½ an inch long, at this point they emerge. In this case, a large number of cutworms are able to survive the winter to eat the vegetables in the spring.
Typically cutworms become a problem when weeds are present in the fall after harvest and also if the following fall and winter is mild. Native or overwintering cutworms live in weedy areas, grassy fields and pastures. Migrating moths lay their eggs on the soil and when these larvae hatch they are able to climb to feed on the plants leaves, buds and fruits.
Cutworms can be active throughout the summer but are normally not a problem after spring. It is important to know that the population of cutworms can greatly vary from year to year, depending on the weather. -Granulate cutworm (Agrotis subterranea).-Bronzed cutworm (Nephelodes minians Guenee).They have a wingspan up to 1 ½ inches across, with their front wings typically darker with a pattern on them and lighter hind wings with no pattern. Fully mature adults are grey, brown or black night-flying moths that are about 1 inch long. Cutworm larvae are soft and fat, and roll up into a “C” shape when disturbed. Larvae can also be glossy or shiny and others can appear dull. Some varieties of cutworms are one colour, where others can have stripes or spots on them. Their colouring can vary from brown, tan, black, gray, green and even pink. Cutworms Identification and HabitatĬutworms are typically quite distinct from each other. The development of the cutworm is greatly affected by the weather, and more specifically rainfall. Once hatched, cutworm larvae can grow up to 2 inches long and can go through as many as 3 generations per year. They typically lay these eggs on low-growing plants and or on plant residue. Female moths are able to lay hundreds of eggs in small clusters. Moths mate and then lay eggs from early spring to late summer/fall depending on the variety. Some cutworms migrate to warmer weather and other varieties over-winterize their eggs and larvae. Adult Cutworms are night-flying moths that do not cause damage. There are also varieties of cutworm that can climb plants eating the foliage, buds and shoots of host plants. The name cutworm originates from their larvae, which cut down young plants from below the soil surface as they feed on the roots.
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