Variegated Cutworm – Peridroma saucia

Variegated Cutworm – Peridroma saucia Scientific Name: Peridroma saucia Common Name: Variegated Cutworm Distribution: Cutworms with variegated patterns may be found in Hawaii, the United States mainland, Canada, and Mexico. The variegated cutworm was first identified in Hawaii in 1899 and is currently found in Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. Host plants: Many different types of ornamental plants, such as aster, carnation, chrysanthemum, dahlia, gladiolus, marigold, nasturtium, pansy, petunia, rose, violet, and zinnia, are pest-ridden by variegated cutworms. They are also pests of fruit, vegetables, and agricultural crops. Identification: Peridroma saucia, often known as variegated cutworms, go through four developmental stages: adults, eggs, larvae, and pupae. On their backs, larvae often have four to seven round, pale-yellow markings. Although it varies, the caterpillar’s rear is often brown, its underbelly is cream, and it has a thin orange-brown stripe running down its side. Mature larvae can reach lengths of 50 mm and diameters of 6 to 7 mm. The mature variegated cutworm is a hardly noticeable moth. The hind wings are white with brown veins and margins, while the forewings are brown or yellow with light mottled patterns. The wingspan of a moth can range from 3.8 to 5.0 cm. Life Cycle: From March to June, moths from the South come. The majority of the time, eggs are placed on grasses and winter annual weeds, mainly close to fields that flood easily. There is often a history of cutworm damage in certain fields. During the day, the larvae hide beneath the soil’s surface and feed after nightfall. Damage: Black cutworm larvae in their first stage eat momentarily on the leaves of their host plants before entering the soil and feeding on the roots and crowns of crops. During the day, the older larvae consume portions of subterranean plants. Larvae in the second and third stages feed on the soil’s surface. Corn and bean seedlings are severed at the soil’s surface. Wilting of elder plants is caused by damage. Larvae of variegated cutworms consume the leaves of plants, including beans. Complete defoliation of plants can result from severe infestations. Management: Control in the home garden may be as easy as using your fingers to rake around the base of damaged plants until you identify the offender. You’ll need to search carefully since the brown cutworms blend in nicely with the color of the soil and mulch. Another alternative mechanical control is to search for cutworms at night and destroy those that are detected feeding on plant leaves. Larger variegated cutworm infestations can be managed by applying a branded garden spray or dust to the soil surrounding the affected plants.