Black cutworm

The first pest we are monitoring for this spring is the black cutworm (BCW). Black cutworms are not able to overwinter in Ohio--they migrate from southern regions as the temperatures begin to increase. Adult moths are particularly attracted to fields with broadleaf weeds, such as chickweed (figure 1) and purple dead nettle (figure 2), to lay their eggs on before planting. Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillars feed on the corn seedlings or growing corn plants, and potentially cutting the plant off at the growing point.

                        ^{(figure 1)                                                   (figure 2)}