Black cutworms are normally dark gray or nearly black but may have a hint of green in the stripes. Most species have a background color of dull gray or brown but usually have some stripes of brighter or sometimes darker colors. The caterpillars (the stage that actually damages turfgrass) are up to two inches long.

The black cutworm, which is the most common species in most of New England, has a band of dark brown scales in the midsection of the front wing and has a dagger shaped marking on the outer edge of a kidney shaped spot. The front wings have distinct scale patterns (faint lines, circles, and kidney-shaped spots) which can be used to identify species. The adults are dull colored moths with a wingspan of one to two inches. There are several species of cutworms which attack turfgrass in New England. Damage is usually most obvious in June through August, when temperatures are highest and cool season grasses are not growing vigorously. Cutworm damage can occur in well watered turf, and is most noticeable on turf which is being mowed at very low heights (less than 1/2 inch). Damage can occur any time from late May through the rest of the growing season. Cutworms can be destructive insects, particularly on golf courses and other highly maintained, closely-mown turf areas.

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