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Variegated or Climbing Cutworms

Are you noticing holes in your plant leaves? Do the edges of the leaves show insect feeding? If this is the case you may have an infestation of variegated or climbing cutworms. These caterpillars are dark grey in color with a lighter stripe along the side and four white to light color spots on their backs. They range in length from ½ to 1½ inches and when resting will usually be found curled into a C-shaped position.

The variegated cutworm feeds above ground, usually at night but may be found feeding during the day and prefers young plant tissue. The younger larvae feed on the plant leaves making holes or shredding the leaf margins. The older cutworms may climb up into the plant and cut the stems. Their larval feeding period lasts for 3-4 weeks. When looking for the worms on the plant, examine the base of the plant, under the leaves and in the growing point. They will usually spend the day on the soil surface at the base of the plant, under plant debris or under clumps of soil.

The variegated or climbing cutworm can be a serious pest on many flower and vegetable plants. I have been blaming slugs for the leaf damage on my hosta, but after closer examination have found variegated cutworms on the ground under the plants. They can be controlled by using the insecticide Sevin. The liquid form is more effective but dust can also be used. Apply the spray to the plants as well as on the ground around the plants. Other insecticides labeled for cutworms such as Tempo can also be used, but only for plants listed on the label. The active ingredient in Tempo is also available in Bayer Advanced Garden Multi-Insect Killer.  When using insecticide, mix and apply according to label directions.   Climbing cutworms can also be control by B.T. sold under tradenames such as Dipel, Biotrol or Thuricide.

This page was last updated April 2003

Todd Weinmann, Extension Horticulturist & Master Gardener Coordinator
Phone: (701) 241-5707
E-mail: tweinman@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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