![]() Instead, these troublesome pests move to the next plant in the row or another row. In most cases, they don’t consume the entire plant. Meanwhile, a few species prefer feeding on underground stems and roots.Ĭutworms also prefer young plants or when plants are still small because their stems are softer. On the other hand, some species climb the plant and will feed on leaves and buds. They curl their bodies around it and will cut the plant until it falls. How Do Cutworms Damage the Plants?Īs mentioned earlier, most cutworm species eat the plant stem at the surface soil. The entire life cycle usually lasts 35-60 days. It is initially orange-brown but will turn dark brown as it continues to grow.Īdult stage: After 12-15 days, the adult cutworm (moth) shall emerge from the pupa. Pupa stage: This usually happens in the soil, and the naked pupa will grow a hard, dark brown case, about 1 inch in length. It generally takes between 28 and 35 days for an egg to develop into a pupa. They will undergo several molts before emerging into a pupa. Most cutworm larvae (newly-emerged caterpillars) have their skin covered with smooth black granules. ![]() Larva stage: Depending on the temperature, eggs will hatch into larvae within 2 weeks. However, some species, such as the black cutworms, lay their eggs in the spring. What Is the Life Cycle of Cutworms?Ĭutworms undergo the four stages of complete metamorphosis-egg, larva, pupa, and adult.Įgg stage: Typically, female moths lay creamy-white eggs in the fall and feed the larvae on grasses and weeds near the soil surface until winter. Interestingly, they curl into a tight ball or letter C when they are steady or if you will disturb them. You will usually see them at night because they are hiding in the daytime. On the other hand, some of them are striped or spotted. Most of their species can have a uniform color such as black, brown, gray, green, tan, and pink. (1.6-2.0 inches) long and have various patterns on their wings. Fully-grown adults (moths) usually grow up to 40-50 mm. They are hairless creatures, and their bodies are soft, but their heads are hard. ![]() ![]() This is why its entire species has a general, greasy appearance. ![]() Surround the Plant With DE or Beneficial NematodesĪs mentioned earlier, cutworms are caterpillars.
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