Dingy Cutworm – Feltia jaculifera – Feltia subgothica, and others

Dingy Cutworm – Feltiajaculifera – Feltiasubgothica, Common Name: Dingy Cutworm / Bent-line dart Latin Name: Feltia jaculifera – Feltiasubgothica Appearance: Several cutworm species may be found in Texas. The Noctuidae family includes typical “miller” type moths as adults. They are distinctive moths that may be seen around porch lights. The moths have grey or brownish coloring, but their rear wings have a silvery or light grey hue. They have 1 to 2-inch wingspans. The larvae can grow 2 inches long and are dingy, grayish-black, and smooth-skinned. The larvae are typically nocturnal and spend the daytime hiding behind plant residues and in soil crevices. Most species’ larvae coil into a C shape when disturbed. Host plant: Cutworms are voracious and may be seen grazing on many plants. They are seen as damaging crops, including maize, cotton, sorghum, vegetables, and turf. Territory: The Noctuidae moth Feltia jaculifera, also known as the bent-line dart or dingy cutworm, is widespread in North America. Damages caused by Dingy Cutworm: Most damage happens during crop establishment in the spring, when they may cut plants off at the soil’s surface, leaving weak stands in their wake. The most frequent infestations occur in fields with dense cover crops or weeds at or shortly before crop emergence. The presence of skips or portions of rows where all the plants are absent makes cutworms most obvious, and cut plants can be observed lying on the ground or partially buried. Life history and Habits: Most cutworms pupate or overwinter as larvae before emerging and mating in the spring. On diverse parts of the host plant, they deposit their eggs. To deposit their eggs, they often look for regions with dense vegetation. Although certain species may have up to 9 instars, the larvae typically go through 5 to 6 instars. Most cutworm species need around 60 days to go through their whole life cycle and pupate in the soil. In central and southern Texas, three to five generations yearly, depending on the climate and temperature.