Cutworm (larva)

Natural Habitat

Typically found in agricultural fields, gardens, lawns, and areas with rich soil and vegetation. They spend their days curled up in the soil or under debris, emerging at night to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Cutworms are polyphagous, meaning they feed on a wide variety of plants. They are known for 'cutting' down young plant stems at or just below the soil surface, but also feed on leaves, roots, and fruits. They are particularly fond of tender seedlings.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal feeders, cutworms curl into a tight 'C' shape when disturbed, as seen in the image. They are the larval stage of moths, undergoing complete metamorphosis. After feeding for several weeks, they pupate in the soil before emerging as adult moths.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Cutworms are significant agricultural and garden pests, causing considerable damage to young plants, vegetables, and field crops. They can devastate entire plantings overnight. Benefits: As with all insects, they play a role in the food chain for birds and other predators, but their beneficial impact is generally outweighed by their destructive potential in agricultural contexts.

Identified on: 9/21/2025