Black Cutworm

Black Cutworm Control

Agrotis ipsilon

The Black Cutworm is widespread throughout North America, however it is a major pest of corn in the Midwest. According to Purdue University, one black cutworm can cut and kill 4 corn plants during its lifetime. These larvae measure 1/8" at hatching to 2" when fully grown – they hatch into an adult moth that is long and narrow with dark forewings, which are pale near the tips. There are three black dashes or dagger like markings on each forewing. The hind wings are white with dark veins and broad, dark, indefinite margins, and the wingspan is 1 – 2".

This pest feeds on a wide range of field and garden crops. Corn and tobacco are two of its preferred crops. Other known hosts include asparagus, bean, beet, cabbage, castor bean, cotton, grape, lettuce, peanut, pepper, potato, radish, spinach, squash, strawberry, and tomato.