Black Cutworm

This moth has long, narrow, usually dark forewings, which are pale near the tips. There are three black dashes on each forewing. The hind wings are white with dark veins and broad, dark, indefinite margins, and the wingspan is 38 to 51 mm. Eggs are white, round, and about 0.5 mm in diameter. Larva range from 3.5 to 45.5 mm in length. Pupa are brown pupa and about 17 to 22 mm long, with distinct mouthparts and antennae.

The black cutworm are widespread throughout North America and especially prevalent in all North Carolina counties. This pest feeds on a wide range of field and garden crops. Corn and tobacco are two of its most preferred crops. Other known hosts include asparagus, bean, beet, cabbage, castor bean, cotton, grape, lettuce, peanut, pepper, potato, radish, spinach, squash, strawberry, and tomato. Overwintering in North Carolina occurs in the pupal stage though a few black cutworms overwinter as larvae.

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