Pest Management - Insect - Variegated Cutworm

Variegated cutworm caterpillars occasionally infest potato fields late in the season. This caterpillar is about 1.5-2" (40 to 50 mm) long when mature and grey to dull brown with black stripes along the side. It also has a row of yellow to orange spots along the top line and a prominent black “W” on top of the last body segment. Adults are brown miller moths. Larvae feed on the plants above ground, causing defoliation, but are found in the soil during the day. Field inspection for this pest is best accomplished in the morning. They feed readily on foliage but do not damage the tubers. As with other defoliating pests (CPB, flea beetles), late season potato crops can withstand up to 25% defoliation without suffering yield losses.
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Written by B. Elliott

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