Cutworms are the larval or caterpillar stage of several moths. The black cutworm larvae, which reach a size of 1¾ inches, are dark gray to black with a light-colored line down the center of the back. Another type, the granulate cutworm, reaches about 1½ inches in length and is dusty brown with rough skin.

The cutworm larvae are active from early spring throughout the growing season. In warm climates, cutworms may complete as many as three or four generations in a season.

Cutworms injure many types of cultivated plants, such as cabbage, corn, cotton, tomatoes, beans, onions, peppers, potatoes, spinach and others, especially when the plants are seedlings or newly set. The cutworms hide under the soil, stones, or vegetation during the day and then emerge at night to feed. They typically cut the young plant off near the ground and can damage numerous plants in a night.

Stressed plants tend to be more vulnerable to cutworms than healthy ones. You may be able to head off problems by preparing your garden soil well, and mulching and watering properly. When necessary treat your plants with an insecticide labeled for use in the garden against cutworms.