Variegated Cutworm

Peridroma saucia

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cutworm eggs on a leaf Cutworm eggs.

variegated cutworm larva on hemp plant Variegated cutworm larva feeding on hemp plant.

variegated cutworm larva feeding on tobacco Variegated cutworm larva foliar feeding damage (on tobacco).

cutworm larva at base of stem Cutworm larva stem feeding damage.

cutworm pupa Cutworm pupa.

cutworm adult Variegated cutworm adult.

Hosts

  • Field-grown hemp
  • Nearly all vegetables
  • Various grains, grasses, and weeds

Description

Larvae are dull gray to brown with 4 to 5 light spots on the middle of the back. They curl into a ‘C’ when disturbed. Adult moths have brown front wings with light-brown markings including circle- and kidney-shaped spots. The hind wings are dull white. 

Life Cycle

Egg | Larva | Pupa | Adult

  • 2 to 3 overlapping generations per year, starting in early spring, July, and late summer.
  • Overwinter as pupae in the soil, larvae in protected areas, or possibly as adults.
  • Some adults migrate from southerly locations each spring.
  • Larvae pupate in the soil

Damaging Lifestage(s): Larva

Damage Symptoms

Unlike most cutworm larvae that cut stems at ground level, variegated cutworms climb plants and chew on leaves, buds, and flowers. In hemp, it primarily feeds on leaves, but could potentially damage hemp flowers. Larvae typically feed at night and return to the ground during the day to hide. They can often be found near the base of plants in protected areas. 

Time for Concern

Spring through harvest.

When and Where to Scout

  • Larvae can be seen as early as late January into April.
  • Look for larvae hiding in the soil or leaf litter around plants during the day.
  • Later in the season, monitor plants for foliage damage.
  • Pheromone or black-light traps can be used to monitor adult moths.

Threat Level

Low.

Occurrence in Utah

In general, infestations on any crop are rare and sporadic in Utah.

Management

  • Manage weeds along field edges.
  • Approved insecticides are available.

When to Consider Treatment

When variegated cutworm larvae are present.

Look-alikes

Other larvae in the family Noctuidae and other caterpillars

Caterpillar Insecticides


Utah-Registered Product Active Ingredient(s) Notes
Agree WG Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. aizawa  
Aza-Direct Biological Insecticide azadirachtin  
AzaGuard  azadirachtin  
AzaSol azadirachtin  
Azatin O Biological Insecticide azadirachtin  
Azatrol EC Insecticide azadirachtin  
Azera Insecticide azadirachtin  
BT Now Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki Greenhouse use only.
Bug Buster-O Extinguish Ant Bait pyrethrins Greenhouse use only.
Deadzone diatomaceous earth  
Deliver Biological Insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki  
DiPel DF Biological Insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki  
DiPel DF Biological Insecticide Dry
Flowable		 Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki  
DiPel PRO DF Biological Insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki  
Evergreen Crop Protection EC 60-6 pyrethrins  
Ferti-Lome Dipel Dust Biological Insecticide (RTU) Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki  
Ferti-lome Fruit Tree Spray pyrethrins  
Grandevo CG;WDG Chromobacterium sub strain PRAA4-1 cells  
Javelin WG Biological Insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki  
Leprotec Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki  
Molt-X azadirachtin  
Neemix 4.5 Insect Growth Regulator azadirachtin  
Prizefighter ammonium nonanoate  
Pycana  pyrethrins Greenhouse use only.
Pyganic Crop Protection EC 1.4 II; 5.0 II pyrethrins  
SPEAR-LEP gs-omega/kappahxtx-hv1a Supression only; combine with a Bt product for greater efficacy.
Tersus Insecticide pyrethrins  
Thuricide N/G Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki  
Valent Professional Products DiPel Pro DF Biological Insecticide Dry
Flowable		 Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki  
Venerate CG Burkholderia sp. strain A396  
XenTari Biological Insecticide Dry Flowable Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. aizawai  

Photo Credits

  • Eggs - Frank Peairs, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
  • Adult - USU Extension IPM Program 
  • Pupa/Feeding - Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
  • Stem feeding - W.M. Hantsbarger, Bugwood.org
  • Tobacco feeding - R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Slide Set, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Bugwood.org
Precautionary Statement: Utah State University and its employees are not responsible for the use, misuse, or damage caused by application or misapplication of products or information mentioned in this document. All pesticides are labeled with ingredients, instructions, and risks, and not all are registered for edible crops. “Restricted use” pesticides may only be applied by a licensed applicator. The pesticide applicator is legally responsible for proper use. USU makes no endorsement of the products listed in this publication.