86 



ow^s. They are many species, some of ^vhich, however, feed on seedling 

 cultivated plants such as corn, mangels, turnips, cabbages, tomatoes, 

 etc. 



Life History — The majority of the species hibernate as partly 

 grown caterpillars, and pupate in the ground in late June or early 

 July. The moths emerge in early August and lay their eggs in grass 

 lands. The caterpillars that hatch from these eggs feed on the roots of 

 grasses until \vinter sets in. 



Habits — Cutworms get their name from their habit of cutting off 

 young plants a little above the surface of the ground. They lie hidden in 

 the day time in the ground close to the plants attacked, but at night 

 they come to the surface to feed. 



A few species assume a clim.bing habit, ascending fruit trees to feed 

 upon buds and fruit. When food becomes scarce, and the numbers are 

 great, some species migrate from field to field in armies, devouring every 

 green thing on their march. 



The commonly occurring cutworms are most injurious in spring, feed- 

 ing ravenously upon young plants after their long winter's sleep in the 

 ground. Some species appear in April, while others do not appear until 

 May or vTune, or even July. Those appearing early go into pupation ear- 

 ly and cease feeding. 



^ .t 



Cutworms : 4 (a) Nephelodes minians (Bronzed Cutworm) moth ; 4 (b) and 4 (c) larva or cutworm. 



5 (b) Euxoa messoria (Dark-sided Cutworm) moth : 5 ^e) cutworm or larva. 



6 Noctua clandestina (the W-marked Cutworm) larva. 



