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Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

Black cutworm (297)

Photo 1. Mature larva of black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon. Note the wide light coloured band down the back.

Photo 2. Mature caterpillar of black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon, curling when disturbed. Note the scattered black spots over the body.

Photo 3. Adult moth of the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon. Note the small curved (kidney-shaped) patterns towards the tips of the wings and black dagger-like marks through them.

Photo 4. Adult moth of the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon. Note the black dagger-like marks are just noticeable on the left wing.

Summary

Worldwide distribution. On maize and many vegetables (beans, cabbage, lettuce, maize, tomato, weeds, and more.
Young caterpillars eat leaves, older ones (up to 45 mm long) cut stems at or below soil, feeding at night. Curls if disturbed. Moth is a stronger flyer – migrates.
Cultural control: avoid fields with previous attacks; weed; good drainage (raised beds); check plant base (gardens: handpick; fields: spray if >5% damage); nets or row covers; grow flowering plants to attract parasites; attract moths with vinegar, sugar, water.
Chemical control: PDPs: derris, pyrethrum, or chilli; synthetic pyrethroids.

Common Name

Black cutworm, greasy cutworm

Scientific Name

Agrotis ipsilon

AUTHOR Grahame Jackson
Information from CABI (2013) Agrotis ipsilon (black cutworm). Crop Protection Compendium (www.cabi.org/cpc); and from Capinera JL (2012) Featured Creatures: Black cutworm. UF/IFAS, University of Florida. (http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/black_cutworm.htm). Photo 1 Roger Schmidt, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bugwood.org. Photo 2 Adam Sisson, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org. Photo 3 Ian Kimber, Bugwood.org; Photo 4 Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org.

Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

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