Cutworms

Adult size: about 2 inches

Cutworms receive their name from the way they cut down plants as they feed. Depending on the species of cutworm, some plants are chewed at the base of the stem while others are eaten at the leaf, fruit, bud, root or subsurface portions. The damage can be devistating and surprising as these pest feed during the night. The majority of the damage occurs during the spring, though they are active throughout the summer as well. In June, the larvea/catapillar takes itself back down into the soil to pupate and later emerges as a moth (if the soil has been disturbed from the original tunnel, the adult moth may not make it out).

The cutworm ranges in color; from gray and black, tan, green and even pink. They can be as long as 2 inches and hide out in the soil during the day. If damage to the lawn occurs, expect to see grass clipped near the base, or crown, of the plant. This will produce small patches of damaged turf that will grow larger as the cutworm does. Thankfully, the winter in Ohio and Michigan does not allow this pest to become too much of a problem other than spring (as there is one generation per year).