They are typically laid in clusters of 10-30 but may be laid singly. Photo by Adam Sisson.Įgg: Eggs are white, globular, and ribbed. Black cutworm moth with more distinct markings. Wing markings are most distinct on newly emerged moths moths may be difficult to identify as they age or become damaged. Key identification features include a small black dagger mark that extends from a bean-shaped spot near the area of the wing where the light band begins (Photos 1 and 2). Forewings are dark brown to black in color with a light band at the end of each wing. IdentificationĪdult: Adult black cutworm moths are approximately 1.5 inches long. It is sporadic and unpredictable, making it essential to scout to determine whether larvae are present in a field or if management is required. Purdue entomologists say black cutworm moths overwinter in Texas and Mexico, and they are attracted to early-spring vegetation in their new homes far north of the Rio Grande.Black cutworm ( Agrotis ipsilon) is a migratory pest that arrives in Iowa with spring storms each year. Outbreaks also are more likely to occur in corn planted after soybeans than in corn-on-corn fields. Illinois Crop Sciences literature explains factors that favor black cutworm outbreaks are late planting, reduced tillage, infestations of weeds before planting, fields next to permanent vegetation and excess crop residue, as would be found in many no-till fields. The no-till connection with the black cutworm can be traced to the pest’s ability to survive and reproduce on field residue and cover crops during the early spring - in time to attack seedling corn as summer approaches.Įntomologists at Iowa State University, the University of Illinois and Purdue University say scouting for black cutworm larvae is one of the most important steps growers can take to prevent outbreaks and hot spots in their young corn because populations of the pest can vary from year to year. No-tillers should be on guard for outbreaks of the migratory pest, which blows into the Corn Belt and Great Plains on southwesterly winds and storm fronts in the early spring, beginning as early as the end of February in some areas. At certain times in their development, black cutworm larvae can each cut 3-5 corn plants during the early season, which can lead to significant yield losses in fields where the pest reproduces in large numbers.

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