![]() ![]() Gilrein extrapolated that the large larvae might be from the earlier flight period and the smaller larvae from the latter. Growers, including panelist Becky Sideman, a UNH Extension sustainable horticulture specialist, report finding a concentration of both small and large larvae in high tunnels. The study showed there were two distinct flight periods for the adults – a small peak that occurs in June and July and then a much larger peak in August and September. Gilrein referenced data from a blacklight trap study that took place in Nova Scotia from 1980-85. They feed primarily at night and are tolerant to cold temperatures. The adult moths are effective fliers and the species is now ubiquitous across the northern U.S. The entomology collection at UNH includes a specimen from the 1990s. The winter cutworm, originally from Europe, was first found in North America in 1979 in Nova Scotia. “They are often active at night, so checking tunnels with a flashlight can help catch the cutworms in the act,” said Gilrein. All panelists stressed that it’s critical to obtain a positive identification to help control the pest. The adult moth, referred to as the large yellow underwing, lives 20 – 40 days, laying 1,000 – 2,000 eggs. Their colors can vary greatly.Īnother diagnostic characteristic is that the caterpillars have dark vertical bands on the head. According to Gilrein, you’ll notice rows of dark dashes on either side of the back that fade out toward the front of the winter caterpillar. ![]() Some even look similar when you look at the details, so for some you may want to submit a sample for identification.”Īlthough a few other species can be active in winter, the panelists agreed that the winter cutworm is the likely culprit responsible for the damage reported by Northeast tunnel growers. “Many cutworms look the same,” Gilrein said, “until you get close and start to look at the details. Photo courtesy of Becky SidemanĪccording to panelist Dan Gilrein, a Cornell Cooperative Extension entomologist, the term cutworm is a catch-all for certain moth caterpillars that feed on low-growing plants, sometimes cutting them off at or below the soil level. Positive identification is the first step in controlling a possible cutworm problem. ![]()
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