Cutworm facts for kids

black cutworm

Cutworms are the caterpillars of certain kinds of moths. They get their name because they often "cut down" young plants by eating through their stems right at the ground level. These hungry caterpillars can cause big problems for farmers and gardeners because they can destroy many plants very quickly.

Cutworms love to eat the soft, new shoots of plants. They have a huge appetite and can damage a garden in a very short time. They don't just eat one type of plant; they can feed on many different kinds, including vegetables like corn, tomatoes, and beans, as well as flowers.

The life cycle of a cutworm usually starts in the autumn. That's when the adult moths lay their tiny eggs on plants or in the soil. When spring arrives, the eggs hatch, and the tiny cutworm caterpillars emerge, ready to start feeding on the new plants that are just beginning to grow.

What Are Cutworms?

Cutworms are not a single type of insect. Instead, the name "cutworm" refers to the caterpillar stage of many different species of moths, mostly from a family called Noctuidae. These caterpillars are usually dull-colored, often gray, brown, or black, which helps them blend in with the soil.

How to Spot a Cutworm

You might not always see a cutworm because they are most active at night. During the day, they often curl up into a C-shape and hide just under the soil surface or under plant debris. If you find a young plant suddenly cut off at the base, it's a strong sign that cutworms might be around. You might also see their droppings, which look like small black pellets, near the damaged plant.

Where Do Cutworms Live?

Cutworms are found all over the world. They prefer areas where plants are growing, like gardens, farms, and even lawns. They are especially common in places where there is a lot of plant matter for them to eat.

Their Favorite Hiding Spots

During the day, cutworms like to hide in cool, damp places. This could be under leaves, rocks, or even in cracks in the soil. They come out at night to feed when it's cooler and they are less likely to be seen by birds or other predators.

How Cutworms Damage Plants

Cutworms cause damage in a few main ways, depending on their species and age. The most common type of damage is when they cut through the stem of a young plant right at the soil line. This makes the plant fall over and die.

Different Ways They Eat

• Cutting: Some cutworms chew through the stem of a young plant, causing it to fall over. This is how they get their name.
• Chewing Leaves: Other types of cutworms climb up plants and chew holes in the leaves, especially the lower ones.
• Root Feeding: Some cutworms live underground and feed on the roots of plants, which can make the plant wilt and eventually die.

Preventing Cutworm Damage

There are several ways to protect your plants from cutworms without using harsh chemicals. Many gardeners use simple methods to keep these pests away.

Simple Protection Methods

• Plant Collars: You can make a collar out of cardboard, plastic, or even a toilet paper roll. Place it around the stem of a young plant, pushing it a few inches into the soil. This creates a barrier that the cutworm can't get past.
• Removing Weeds: Keeping your garden free of weeds helps, because weeds can be a hiding place and a food source for young cutworms.
• Hand-Picking: If you go out at night with a flashlight, you might be able to spot and remove cutworms by hand. Look for them near damaged plants.
• Beneficial Insects: Some insects, like ground beetles and parasitic wasps, are natural enemies of cutworms and can help control their population.

Images for kids

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  The cutworm larva of the large yellow underwing (Noctua pronuba)

See also

In Spanish: Gusano cortador para niños