Variegated Cutworm 



(c) VARIEGATED CUTWORM 



(Figs. 7 and 15, Plate VII, Page 23) 



This is one of the most universally distributed of all cutworms. It 

 is known over practically the whole agricultural world with the possible 

 exception of Africa. At one time or another damaging outbreaks of 

 this worm have occurred in nearly every part of its range. While, so 

 far as the author knows, no serious outbreak has occurred in the sugar 

 beet growing sections of the West which come within the scope of this 

 Bulletin, yet it is always present in our fields and may at any time appear 

 in such numbers as to do considerable damage. 



This worm is a very general feeder, attacking almost any green 

 plant. It seems to prefer cultivated plants, and feeds sparingly upon 

 weeds, grasses and grains. 



NATURE OF INJURY 



The feeding habits of the variegated cutworm differ in some respects 

 from those of the preceding species. In California it is reported as 

 damaging young sugar beets in April.* At this time the worms spent 

 the day buried in the soil, coming out to feed during the night and early 

 morning. The beets were eaten off near the surf ace of the ground in true 

 cutworm fashion. During the same season a later brood of worms fed 

 upon the leaves, entirely stripping the plants of foliage. The roots were 

 also damaged to some extent. Large numbers of these worms have been 

 observed in Northern Colorado on the third cutting of alfalfa. 



METHODS OF CONTROL 



While the author has had no experience in the control of this cut- 

 worm, it would seem that during the early part of the season, before 

 the worms have acquired the climbing habit, the poisoned bait so suc- 

 cessfully used against the western army and pale western cutworms 

 would be equally successful in the control of this species. 



In the case of later broods or when the worms are feeding upon the 

 leaves, spraying with Paris green will give satisfactory results, according 

 to Mr. G. E. Bensel.* In his work in California Mr. Bensel used 2 pounds 

 of Paris green to 50 gallons of water. To this about 1 Ib. of molasses 

 was added to make the poison adhere to the leaves. Two or three 

 applications were required, at a cost of about 90 cts. per acre, to check the 

 worms. A traction sprayer should be used in order to secure an even 

 application and an economic use of the poison. 



Large lantern traps were also used to catch the moths in Ventura 

 Co., California, with very satisfactory results. 



DESCRIPTION 

 The Egg 



The eggs resemble those of other cutworms. They are deposited 

 in clusters of from a few to as high as 50 or 60 on the twigs of trees and 

 leaves of various plants. 



*G E Bensel. "Control of the Variegated Cutworm in Ventura County. California." Journal of 

 Economic Entomology. Vol. 9. No. 2 (April. 1916). 



47 



