Photo credit: Pat Porter, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Photo credit: John Capinera, University of Florida, Īrmy cutworm larvae. All regions of Texas may encounter cutworms of one or more types of cutworms.Īrmy cutworm moth. Most significant plant injury from cutworms is associated with 3 rd instar or larger larvae.

There are four major groups of cutworms based on habitat and feeding behavior:ġ) subterranean cutworms, such as the pale western cutworm that feed almost entirely below the soil surface on roots and underground stems Ģ) tunnel dwellers such as the black cutworm which cuts a small, tender plant at the soil surface, pulls it into the tunnel and devours the plant ģ) surface feeders such as the granulate cutworm and the army cutworm which may cut seedling plants off at the surface or feed upon leaves of older plants Ĥ) climbing cutworms such as the variegated, dingy, and mesquite cutworms, may cut seedling plants and may also feed on foliage and flower buds. When disturbed the larvae of most species will curl up into a C-shape. The larvae are primarily nocturnal and will hide under plant debris and within soil cracks and crevasses during the day. The larvae are dingy, grayish-black and smooth-skinned and may reach 2 inches in length. The moths are gray or brownish in appearance, although the hind wings are light gray or silverish in appearance.

They are common moths found around porch lights. Adults are typical “miller” type moths from the family Noctuidae.

There are a number of species of cutworm that may be encountered in Texas. Photo credit: Robert Bowling, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ServiceArticle author: David Kerns, Tyler Mays Most recently reviewed by: Suhas Vyavhare & Kate Crumley (2020) Common Name(s): army cutworm, Black Cutworm, Cutworms, dingy cutworm, granulate cutworm, mesquite cutworm, pale western cutworm, variegated cutworm Description

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