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Description and Symptoms
 Army cutworms overwinter as larvae. Larvae can be active at low temperatures (40 degrees F).
Larvae pupate in early spring. Adults emerge and lay eggs in late summer and fall.
Adults are commonly referred to as miller moths.
Larvae are pale gray and splotched with light markings. The upper body is lighter colored with a dark strip down the middle of the back. A light strip runs along the sides.
Larvae grow to I 1/2 to 2 inches long.
Larvae will climb a plant to reach green vegetation. When green vegetation is scarce in the spring, army cutworms will devour entire small grain seedlings. This is a common indication of a serious population.
Regrowth of damaged seedlings can occur if green matter is present and the crown is not damaged. However, seedling damage is rare.
Integrated Management
Scout until grain maturity.
Protect natural predators, which can control moderate populations.
Apply insecticides when populations are high, two to four larvae per square foot. Pyrethroid insecticides are the most effective, but spraying is rarely necessary.
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