We have had three cases of cutworm larvae brought to our attention this week.
Cutworm" is the generic name for the caterpillars (larvae) of about 2,900 kinds of nocturnal moths, commonly known as mill
We have had three cases of cutworm larvae brought to our attention this week.
Cutworm" is the generic name for the caterpillars (larvae) of about 2,900 kinds of nocturnal moths, commonly known as millers. All feed on tender green plants.
The larvae start feeding in early spring. Many species have a second, sometimes much larger generation later in summer according to Bob Bauernfeind, Kansas State University Research and Extension entomologist.
Many attack gardens, but homeowners don’t need to identify species. Gardeners
typically control cutworms by hand. And, the insecticides labeled for home use simply list the pest as `cutworms.´
No matter their species, mature cutworms can be 1.75 inches long. They all look similar - plump, fleshy, smooth and sparsely haired. But, they hide during the day and feed at night. So, gardeners´ first clue that cutworms are on the attack is often a bedding plant,
cut off at ground level and lying on its side.
Depending on species, the night-flying adult moths emerge from April to July. They´re the many dull-colored miller moths that for several weeks each year swarm any light source they can sight.
Before the adults die, each female may lay up to 500 eggs. Many deposit eggs where they happen to be resting, almost ensuring their new larvae will have to search for the plant food they need. But, some moth species selectively deposit eggs on the exact host plant
their offspring will need to survive.
Cutworms have a host of natural enemies, though, ranging from little parasitic wasps an