Lifecycle and Damage

• Black cutworm moths arrive in the Midwest from the south each spring where they seek vegetation to lay their eggs
• Cutworm larvae are light gray/black and may reach up to 2” in length
• Early feeding by small larvae appears are small irregular holes
• Cutting starts around the 4th instar as the worms mature
• Cutworms at this stage can clip the plant at or below the soil surface (up to 3-4 plants per worm) causing it to stunt and wilt
• At V6 the growing point of corn moves above ground; this is an important stage for determining whether or not plants may recover

Scouting

• Target scouting in susceptible areas (weedy areas, high residue, etc.)
• Scout weekly for 3-4 weeks after VE
• Scout multiple areas throughout field
• Record % of cuttings, corn growth stage and larval stage
• A rescue insecticide application may be warranted at 3-5% leaf feeding OR 2+ cutworms per 100 plants