Army Cutworm

Euxoa auxilaris

Army cutworm larva.

Army cutworms feed on a wide range of plants, but find canola very attractive. Female moths lay their eggs (up to 1,000 each) in the soil around the base of seedling plants in the fall. Unlike other cutworms, the larvae feed exclusively above ground, mostly at night, and hide in the soil during the day. Scouting for larvae requires digging into the ground between the rows and sifting soil through a coarse screen. This should be done in 6-10 different locations in a field. Treatment can be considered if there are 1-2 larvae per square foot and stand loss or severe damage to established plants is evident.

Refer to publication MF3150 Army Cutworm: Kansas Crop Pests for more information on army cutworm.

Page created 04/02/2024 by J.P. Michaud