Army Cutworm – Euxoa auxiliaris

Army Cutworm   Scientific Name: Euxoa auxiliaris Common Name: Cluster caterpillar, miller moth, Army cutworm Appearance: Army cutworm is a brownish-grey moth with a caterpillar-like larva. It is 40mm in length with fine scales on its body. The body also has black and white spottings. Upon contact, the larva curves into a “C.” Host Plants or Food: Army cutworm depends on plants, especially cereal plants such as alfalfa and winter wheat. The larvae mostly grow on seedlings while adult moths feed on flower nectar. Territory: Throughout North America and Western USA Mode of Damage: Army cutworms damage the plant as leaf chewers, forming holes through the leaves. The larvae may also feed near the base as stem and twig damager, causing the death of the plant. Habits and Life History: Army cutworm is widely found in alpine areas with plenty of crops and plantations, around grasslands and green meadows. They are found in lower areas from Spring till late summer and fall, laying eggs in the ground. The eggs hatch during the fall and give rise to a larval stage lasting almost two weeks. Larva ultimately turns into a pupa that actively feeds to develop into an adult. After emerging, the adults migrate to higher, cooler areas for the summers to aestivate and prepare for further reproduction. The adults then migrate back to lower areas, where eggs are laid for a new generation.