Darksided Cutworm

As seen during visits in June 2021.

This insect was reported in eastern Quebec in 2021 and was detected in several new areas this spring, including Nicolet. The adult moth was able to lay its eggs last fall, and the mild winter may have contributed to the survival of the eggs. Young larvae attack the foliage of several plants (legumes and cereal fields), and larger larvae can also attack corn like other cutworms by cutting plants at the soil level. It is easier to observe them in the morning or evening, because during the day the caterpillars hide in the ground in the first 2 inches. There is no action level for field crops in Quebec. In Western Canada, the threshold for soybeans is 1 caterpillar less than 2 cm by 1 linear m/row or 20% cuts. 

                       
Laboratory of Expertise and Diagnosis in Plant Protection (MAPAQ)