Bronzed Cutworm – Nephelodes minians

Bronzed Cutworm   Scientific Name:  Nephelodes minians Common Name:  Bronzed cutworm, Shaded Umber Moth Appearance:  Bronzed cutworm is a tanned, rusty moth of size 40 mm. It has a characteristic U-shaped band on the dorsal surface of the body, distinguishing it from other members of the family. It has a large head with a thick body. The larva is brown in colour and greatly resembles a caterpillar. It also has yellow and white stripes all over its body. Host Plants or Food: Bronzed cutworm mainly feeds on grasses such as cereal crops and corn. Territory: Throughout North America Mode of Damage: They are active leaf chewers and clip the grasses near the turf above the ground level. Consistent cutworm feeding results in patches on the ground, which makes gardens look untidy. Habits and Life History: Bronzed cutworm is known for its destruction in gardens and is therefore found in Greenlands and grassy patches. The eggs go through a period of overwintering during the colder months and give rise to the larva in the summer. Their larva has a distinctive brown shine on its body, due to which it is called a bronzed cutworm. The larval cutworm feeds on the grasses until it becomes an adult, usually completing its development in June. Due to its hardy nature, the larva can even feed on the grass under snow, completing its lifecycle in time. It only produces one generation per year.