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Photo credit: Jim Kalisch, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Common Name: Variegated Cutworm/ Pearly Underwing

Scientific Name: saucia

Order and Family: ,

Size and Appearance: The larvae have yellow and orange spots along their back. The larva can grow to be as long as 40mm and will curl up into the shape of a ‘C’ if bothered. As (adults) they have a wingspan of 45-56mm. They vary in color from tan to dark brown, and have mottled designs on their forewings. The hind wings are generally paler in comparison to the forewings.

Length (mm) Appearance Egg 1mm White or yellow colored eggs; spherical shaped; change to brown color right before hatching; laid on stems or leaves. Larva/Nymph 40mm Pale gray to light brown color; have yellow or orange spots along their back; skin is smooth; on 8th abdominal segment there is a dark W shape; curl into C shape if bothered. Adult 45-56mm Tan to dark brown in color with mottled designs on forewings; hindwings pale; 2-4 generations a year. (if applicable) 15-20mm Reddish brown in color.

Type of feeder (Chewing, sucking, etc.): Larvae: Chewing

Host plant/s: The variegated cutworm can be found in gardens on potatoes, peas, cabbage, , and . It can also be found on as well as in a field or pasture environment.

Description of Damage (larvae and adults): The cutworms climb onto the plants and begin eating foliage and stems. Since they climb onto and reside on the plant, the damage can be quite severe. Later instar larvae can burrow underground and can damage plants by cutting them off at the surface of the soil. The larvae often feed at night.

References:

Cranshaw, W. (2004). Chapter Three: Leaf Chewers – Variegated Cutworm. In Garden of North America: The ultimate guide to backyard bugs. (pp. 134). Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

McLeod, R., et al. (2005, February). Species Peridroma saucia – Variegated Cutworm. Iowa State University. Retrieved January 25, 2016 from: http://bugguide.net/node/view/10726

Variegated Cutworm. (n.d.). North Carolina State Agricultural Extension. Retrieved January 25, 2016 from: http://ipm.ncsu.edu/AG271/forages/variegated_cutworm.html