Winter cutworm is a new pest threat in this region. It has a wide host range and can be very destructive because it moves and feeds in large masses, similar to armyworms. As the name implies, cutworms are active during the winter, and therefore can affect perennial and fall-seeded crops including legume and grass cover… Continue reading

AUGUST 2018 – EDITS to the original (FEB 2018) post Ok, now that I’ve got your attention… The subject line is a playful way to introduce you to Apamea devastator, although the damage it can do is no laughing matter. This species overwinters as mature larvae, and I found some south of Corvallis just last… Continue reading

Cutworms and Armyworms of the PNW: Mythimna unipuncta, Dargida procintus, Dargida diffusa, Spodoptera praefica, Mamestra configurata, Apamea cogitata, Peridroma saucia  Slides advance ~ e. 5 seconds. Hover mouse to pause [slideshow_deploy id=’102′] Scientific Name: Noctua pronuba Common Names:                Large Yellow Underwing (adult)                Winter Cutworm (larvae)  Slides advance ~ e. 5 seconds. Hover mouse… Continue reading

Now that Fall has officially begun (Sept. 22nd), it’s time to start talking about potential for damage to fall and winter crops from Noctua pronuba, the winter cutworm. According to limited data of N. pronuba activity in this region, there seem to be two flight periods – early spring (Mar-May) and now (Aug-Oct). Adult moths… Continue reading

Proper identification of cutworms and armyworms can be difficult. Most of them hide in the soil during the day and are hard to find. The identifying characteristics mentioned here may not be as prevalent on younger specimens. NEW: A downloadable QUICK GUIDE of is available at: beav.es/Zpk. If the specimen is a cutworm or armyworm,… Continue reading