Cutworm (larva)

Natural Habitat

Agricultural fields, gardens, lawns, and areas with dense vegetation. They are typically found in the soil during the day and emerge to feed at night.

Diet & Feeding

Broadleaf plants, grasses, and various vegetable crops. They feed on plant stems at or just below the soil surface, often cutting down young plants.

Behavior Patterns

Caterpillars are primarily herbivorous, consuming leaves voraciously. They move by contracting their bodies, often in a looping motion. They typically pupate in the soil or within a cocoon constructed from silk and debris. The adult moths are nocturnal.

Risks & Benefits

Cutworms are significant agricultural pests, causing damage to young plants by severing their stems, leading to crop loss. They can be particularly destructive in vegetable gardens and farms. While they are a pest, they also serve as a food source for various insectivorous animals and parasites, contributing to the food web.

Identified on: 8/27/2025