![]() In late summer and early fall, the moths return to the plains to lay their eggs in wheat fields and other cultivated areas. These moths are the “millers” that become a household nuisance following outbreaks. Moths emerge in May and June and migrate to higher elevations to escape high summertime temperatures. As daytime temperatures rise, the army cutworm feeds more frequently at night and is found under soil clods or debris during the day. Eggs hatch in the fall following a rainfall, and early-stage caterpillars live through the winter, feeding on warmer days. ![]() The army cutworm has one generation per year. The larvae are the damaging stage of the army cutworm and are 1.5 to 2 inches long with two orange and dark stripes down their sides and one white stripe down their back. 1) subterranean cutworms, such as the pale western cutworm that feed almost entirely below the soil surface on roots and underground stems 2) 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 3) surface feeders such as the granulate cutworm and the. Noctuid moths are commonly active during the night and hide in vegetation at or just below soil level during the day. ![]() During outbreak years they can cause extensive damage in alfalfa, corn, wheat, and numerous other crops.įamily: Noctuidae Description and LifecycleĪs adults, they are grey-brown moths, with a distinct circle and kidney bean shaped pattern on their wings. Army cutworm adults are commonly known as miller moths and become a household nuisance following outbreaks. ![]()
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