Cutworms
Black cutworm larvae
Photo courtesy of the University of Minnesota
Black cutworm larvae are pale gray to black in color with a pale stripe down their back. They have no other distinct markings. The Bronze cutworm is dark, brown-black in color on its back with a pale underside. It is about 1.5-2” long with a dark brown head. Three narrow yellow stripes on its upper surface and broad, pale white to yellow stripes on each side. Adults are hairy, robust night-flying moths that are brownish- tan to grayish in color. The front wings are darker than the hind pair of wings.
Damage
The larval caterpillars cause damage to turf, with little preference to specific grass types. They feed at night, chewing off grass blades close to the base of the plant. This damage causes brown spots about 1-2” in diameter to form around burrows and green frass pellets can also be found in the feeding areas. Bird feeding may also indicate cutworm presence.