Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Variegated cutworm moth

Variegated cutworm moth

Peridroma saucia

A species of Peridroma, Also known as Variegated cutworm

The variegated cutworm moth is a moth that can migrate very long distances. They tend to migrate north in the spring, causing huge outbreaks in disturbed agricultural and urban areas. Since the larvae feed on leafy plants, they are considered a pest in many areas due to their damage to fruit trees, shrubs, and crops.

General Info About Variegated cutworm moth
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Variegated cutworm moth
Colors
Brown
Habitat
agricultural area; garigue; ruderal terrain; place with open soil spot
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, sap, plant fluids, honeydew
Larva Food Source
Leaves of clover, alfalfa, beans, lettuce, and other cultivated plants
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
The Variegated cutworm moth is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Variegated cutworm moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Variegated cutworm moth
It is found in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Variegated cutworm moth
North and South America, the Hawaiian Islands, Europe, Asia, North Africa
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Variegated cutworm moth
Egg The embryonic variegated cutworm moth starts as a tiny, rounded or oval egg, often with a ribbed surface. These eggs may vary in color, but typically match the host plant for camouflage.
Larva Upon hatching, the larval variegated cutworm moth, or caterpillar, is a voracious feeder, with a tubular, segmented body. Color and patterns vary and change with successive molts, developing to better evade predators.
Pupal The variegated cutworm moth forms a cocoon or chrysalis during the pupal stage. Inside, the creature undergoes a radical transformation, with tissues breaking down and reorganizing into an adult form, often becoming dormant.
Adult The adult variegated cutworm moth emerges with wings that must unfold and dry. Colors and patterns on these wings are species-specific and used for camouflage or mating signals. The adult now focuses on reproduction.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Variegated cutworm moth
4.5 - 5 cm
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Variegated cutworm moth
Variegated cutworm moth can navigate using the Earth's magnetic field, using a complex interplay between light-sensitive proteins and neural mechanisms.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Variegated cutworm moth
Tips for Finding Variegated cutworm moth
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Variegated cutworm moth
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Variegated cutworm moth
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Variegated cutworm moth
Night-blooming plants or sweet solutions, such as a mixture of sugar and beer, may attract adult variegated cutworm moth as they provide a source of nourishment for these nocturnal creatures.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Variegated cutworm moth Through Different Life Stages
Eggs laid by the adult variegated cutworm moth are typically found on the underside of leaves, especially of the host plants such as clover, alfalfa, and various grasses. As larvae, also known as cutworms, variegated cutworm moth are often discovered near the ground, hiding under debris during the day or feeding on stems and leaves at night. Pupae of variegated cutworm moth usually form in the soil just beneath the surface. Adults, which are nocturnal moths, can be seen around lights or nectar sources, such as flowering plants, during the evening hours.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Variegated cutworm moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of variegated cutworm moth are usually laid on the underside of host plant leaves. Carefully examine the leaves of known host plants to spot the tiny, distinct egg clusters or individual eggs.
Larva Variegated cutworm moth larvae, also known as caterpillars, are often found feeding on the leaves of their host plants. Look for signs of feeding damage or frass (caterpillar droppings) on and around the foliage to locate them.
Pupal Pupae of variegated cutworm moth may be hidden in the soil near host plants or among leaf litter. Search gently through the top layers of soil or among debris at the base of plants without disturbing the environment excessively.
Adult Adult variegated cutworm moth are nocturnal and attracted to light or certain scents. They can be found by setting up a light trap at night or by creating a bait station with a sweet solution to lure them in.
Are Variegated cutworm moth harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of Variegated cutworm moth
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Agricultural Pests

Larvae of variegated cutworm moth feed on a variety of crops, resulting in chewed leaves, stems, and fruits. Mild infestations cause cosmetic damage; severe cases lead to significant yield losses. This pest's activities can indirectly affect humans by impacting agricultural productivity and food supply.

More Effects of Variegated cutworm moth

Beneficial Effects of Variegated cutworm moth
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Variegated cutworm moth is attracted to the vibrant colors and aromatic smells of various flowers. It inadvertently collects pollen on its body while feeding on nectar and pollen, acting as a pollinator as it moves from flower to flower.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow