Cutworms- The variegated cutworm, Peridroma saucia
Damage caused by the variegated cutworm
After hatching from eggs, young larvae of the variegated cutworms generally feed on crop foliage. In case of severe infestation, larvae can completely defoliate and destroy the plants. Larvae of variegated cutworms are very active and cause most of the damage during nights.
Facts (show all)
- Common names
-
- The variegated cutworm
- Scientific name
-
- Peridroma saucia
- Identification
-
Adults: Adult moths of the the variegated cutworms are reddish brown to gray in color with darker spots on their forewings.
Eggs: Eggs are round in shape and whitish in color.
Larvae/Caterpillars: These cutworms also called climbing cutworms because their larvae can climb trees and shrubs. Larvae are brownish gray in color with diamond shaped marks on the dorsal side of the entire body. Larvae are about 1.5 to 2 inches long. When disturbed, these larvae forms “C” shaped coil.
Pupae: Pupae are dark brown to black in color.
- Biology
-
The variegated cutworms overwinter as pupae in south. After emerging from pupae, adults will migrate towards north. During migration, moths will lay eggs on the underside of the leaves of different grass and weed species during May through June. Larvae start feeding on the leaves of different crops until they mature and pupate in the soil. Adults emerge from pupae, lay eggs and continue their life cycle. The variegated cutworms will complete 3-4 generations in a year depending upon the location.
- Organic Control of the variegated cutworm
-
- Following beneficial bugs and plant products are used for organic control of the variegated cutworm
- Egg parasitic wasps
-
- Trichogramma brassicae
- Trichogramma pretiosum
- Trichogramma minutum
- Trichogramma platneri
- Beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes
-
- Steinernema carpocapsae
- Steinernema feltiae
- Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
- Predatory praying mantis
-
- Tenodera aridifolia sinensis
- Stagmomantis crolina
- Plant Product
-
- Molt-X® - (Active ingredient – Azadirachtin a compound isolated from neem leaves)
