Page 36 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016

Granulate cutworm larva Variegated Cutworm larva

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

Variegated Cutworm Granulate Cutworm pupa
larva on tomatoe leaf

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

Larva Only 6.Thorax-long cylindrical body Cutworm
1.Antenna- 2 to 3 segmented
2.Eyes- ocelli numerous 7.Petiole- none 8
3.Head-head capsule 8.Abdomen-has 8 segments 10
4.Legs- 3 thoracic legs w/4 prolegs 9.Color-pale gray
5.Wings- none 10.Other- larva has longitudinal
strips along the body
Life Cycle 4
Adult moths fly around at night and lay eggs on grass leaves or nearby 3
“4 Prolegs”
plants. The larvae feed at night on leaves and crowns and hide during
the day. The larvae pupate in the soil. There can be several generations 4

“3 Thoracic”

each year. Drawing by Andrew Schaible

There are many common varieties of cutworms. All will feed on just about any low-lying plants
and will also affect lawns. These “worms” are actually the larvae of drab grayish or brownish
moths. They can do a considerable amount of damage in a relatively short period of time. They
generally cut off the host plant at ground level.

Size & Identifying Characteristics:
• Larvae of some moths, up to 2” long
• Hide in the ground during the day
• Emerge at night to feed on grasses and plants

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