UF/IFAS Vegetable Arthropod Pest Photographs CD-ROM III

Black Cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon
(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The black cutworm is found throughout the United States but is not known to overwinter in northern states. The species is believed to disperse northward from southern states each year. Many natural enemies are identified that attack the black cutworm, but data on their importance is scarce. Two to four generations occur each year in the United States. The life cycle generally takes from 35 to 60 days. Eggs are initially white but turn brown as they age. The larvae range from gray to black in color. Some larvae may have a band down the back. The pupa can be found in the soil and is dark brown. The adult is relatively large and the front wing is dark brown with the edge having a light irregular band. Hind wings may be white or gray.

Vegetable crops that are commonly injured include artichoke, asparagus, bean, beet, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrot, cauliflower, celery, corn, cowpea, cucumber, eggplant, garbanzo, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, okra, onion, pea, pepper, potato, radish, spinach, squash, tomato, turnip, and watermelon. Weeds that serve as alternate hosts include bluegrass, curlydock, lambsquarters, and redroot pigweed. Damage occurs in the larval stage, and most of the feeding occurs at the soil surface. Some larvae may feed above ground. Larvae may cut several plants each night, and young plants are most vulnerable. Sampling techniques that are used to determine adult black cutworm populations include pheromone traps, light traps, and color traps. Larvae may be sampled using bait traps and are usually randomly distributed through the field. Cultural control practices include destruction of weed hosts, tillage, row covers, and proper plant nutrition. Persistent insecticides may be applied to plants and soil to provide suppression of black cutworm populations. Insecticide-treated baits may also be used to control larvae. Systemic insecticides may be applied to seeds to provide protection against larval injury.

Images

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Black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon, adult.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
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Black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon, larva.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
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