Army Cutworm/Miller Moth

Euxoa auxiliaris

Miller Moth

Miller moth adult (Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org)

Army Cutworm

Army cutworm pupa (Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)

Cutworm

Army cutworm larva (Frank Peairs, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)

Identification

army cutworm (caterpillar):

  • immature stage of the miller moth
  • grayish black with patterns of gray and brown stripes

miller moth:

  • adult stage of the army cutworm
  • larger moths; wingspan 1 1/2 – 2 inches long
  • gray or light brown wings with different colored markings

Nesting Habits

  • lay eggs in thick vegetation, turfgrass and weedy areas surrounding wheat or hay fields
  • seek dark sheltered spaces during the day, such as dense vegetation
  • mass migrations of moths in late spring can inundate homes and buildings

Diet

  • army cutworm: variety of plants, including lawn grasses, and broad leaf weeds
  • miller moth: nectar from flowering plants

Significance

  • cutworms common in lawns in spring; may damage garden plants, field crops and hay
  • moths can be a nuisance during migration in late spring (2 - 3 weeks long)

IPM Recommendations

  • Seal any openings, especially around windows, doors and ventilation systems prior to migration period (late spring).
  • Reduce lighting in and around the building at night.
  • Use a vacuum to remove moths indoors and outdoors.