The granulate cutworm is native to the Western Hemisphere and is found in the southernmost states from Georgia to California. It is the most common soil-dwelling cutworm pest in Florida. Very little information is known about naturally occurring enemies. The granulate cutworm may be active continuously in the south, and 50 to 70 days are required for the life cycle to be completed. The egg initially is white but becomes darker with age. Larvae may be found on foliage both day and night and are grayish to reddish-brown. The head is yellowish to brownish. Pupation occurs in the soil and the pupae are dark brown. The adult is medium in size and the front wing may be brown to gray and is often yellowish-brown. It also has a bean-shaped spot in the center and black bars may link more than one spot. The hindwings are white.

Vegetable crops that are commonly attacked include bean, beet, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, corn, cowpea, eggplant, kale, lettuce, onion, pea, pepper, potato, radish, spinach, tomato, turnip, and watermelon. Weeds shown to support larvae include amaranth, cocklebur, dandelion, passion vine, plantain, and shepherdspurse. Larvae cut off the stems of young seedlings at the soil surface. Also, the foliage of older plants may be fed upon. Sometimes fruit may be tunneled. This type of damage usually occurs on fruits that are in direct contact with the soil. Populations may be monitored using blacklight traps. Insecticides that are applied as liquid, granular, or bait formulations generally control larvae. Cultural control practices include mechanical barriers, destruction of alternate weed hosts, crop rotation, and the use of row covers.

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